By Jill Fox

As the principal of Riverside Elementary School in Coral Springs for the past seven years, Merideth Weiss-Schnur’s new job at Heron Heights Elementary isn’t too far away. In fact, it’s now closer to home than ever.

She’s thrilled to be back in Parkland. When Heron Heights Elementary School first opened in 2009, she was the original assistant principal under Kenneth King, who was recently promoted to director in the Office of School of Performance and Accountability.

“Although it’s been seven years, I feel like I never left,” she said.

Originally from Long Island, New York, Weiss-Schnur’s family moved to Florida after she graduated from high school.  After graduating from Florida Atlantic University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education,  she earned her masters in educational leadership. 

Along with her husband, Mitchell and their two sons, ages two and four, she doesn’t have to drive to work too far from their home – which is practically across the street.

“I live in the neighborhood and am happy to work here as well.”

She considers herself part of the community and said that Parkland is a unique place which offers a lot for kids and families, so it’s nice to be able to be a part of it in her work life as well as in her personal life.

After King’s departure, Weiss-Schnur understands that there will be big shoes to fill and explained that it’s unique to be able to open a school, come back, and continue what she and King started together.

“Principal King has definitely left a legacy here and everybody loves him, including myself. So, my goal is to continue all the good things that he started, and really to use him as a resource moving forward,” she said.

Parkland area schools are where Weiss-Schnur has spent most of her time. When hired as an assistant principal at Park Trails Elementary, she actually replaced Kenneth King. So, this is the second time that she has followed in his footsteps, and has walked into a job that King has left.

The new principal said that she is looking forward to getting to know everyone: the families, the community and the staff. Following that, she wants to continue to increase student achievement and ultimately do what’s best for them.