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Shaw Elementary Gets A New Leader

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By MICHELE SAGER, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 10, 2007

UNIVERSITY AREA - Shaw students will get a new leader and more relief from crowding.

The Hillsborough County School Board has named Holly Saia the new principal for Shaw Elementary. She replaces Gloria Kolka, who will retire from the school district at the end of the year. Saia begins her new position Nov.19.

Saia is the principal at Twin Lakes Elementary. She began her career as a teacher in 1985 at Eisenhower Middle School. Two years later, she transferred to a teaching position at Robles Elementary. She became a guidance counselor at Seminole Elementary in 1992.

In 2001, she was appointed assistant principal at Mort Elementary. She became principal of Twin Lakes in 2005.

Saia said her experience working at Title I schools gives her the experience to handle the needs at Shaw. Title I schools are designated to receive federal money because they serve a high number of low-income students.

"I'm certainly going to miss Twin Lakes, but I look forward to going to Shaw," Saia said. "I believe my background will assist me, and I look forward to continuing the models Mrs. Kolka has successfully implemented."

Shaw students, along with Witter Elementary, could also see more relief from crowding next school year. The school board has finalized a deal to purchase Temple Heights Christian School at 8406 N. 46th St.

The private school served kindergarten through 12th grade but has closed. Its affiliated church, Temple Heights Baptist, remains in existence.

The district originally planned to use the school facility to house a new elementary site. But the school will be torn down, and a building will be constructed, said Cathy Valdes, the district's director of facilities.

"This is a going to be a very fast turnaround time," Valdes said. "We've never approved, built and opened a school this fast."

Construction is expected to start in January, and the school is scheduled to open in August.

The district hasn't determined attendance boundaries, but the new school is expected to serve 500 students from parts of the University Area to relieve crowding at schools in the area.

The district opened an elementary school in the Museum of Science & Industry this school year to also help with crowding.

Reporter Michele Sager can be reached at (813) 865-4843 or msager@tampatrib.com.

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