- July 1, 2024
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Flagler Schools Superintendent LaShakia Moore has named Jessica Fries as the new principal at Old Kings Elementary School and Kara Minn as an assistant principal at Matanzas High School.
The School Board approved both hires on June 18. Fries and Minn were recognized at the School Board meeting.
Fries returns to Old Kings where she had been an assistant principal from 2019 to 2022. She has been an assistant principal at Buddy Taylor Middle School the past two years.
“I’m excited to be back at Old Kings. I’ve wanted to return, this time as principal,” Fries said.
She replaced Nicole Critcher, who held the principal’s position at OKES for the past three years.
“Ms. Critcher set the tone for measurable success at Old Kings these past few years,” Moore said in a Flagler Schools press release. “After a thorough review of all the potential candidates for this important role, it was clear that Ms. Fries was the right candidate for the slot.”
This spring, the Florida State Board of Education recognized OKES as a School of Excellence.
Fries was an Exceptional Student Education teacher in Volusia County before becoming an assistant principal at Old Kings. She has a bachelor’s degree in ESE (K-12) from Daytona State College and a master’s in Educational Leadership from Stetson University.
“Ms. Fries is a strong decision maker, an active listener and a great assessor of any situation allowing her to create a course of action that benefits all parties involved,” Buddy Taylor Middle School Principal Cara Cronk said in the press release. “Her ability to make every child, every parent and every employee feel heard and respected makes her a great selection. From her daily demeanor to her ability to build and help orchestrate educational plans, Jessica is a true leader.”
Minn replaces longtime Matanzas Assistant Principal Fred Terry, who retired earlier this month. Minn most recently has been the AICE program coordinator at Matanzas.
