Board Chair Statement

“The future of The Schools of McKeel Academy has never been brighter! With Michele Spurgeon as Director of Schools and Alan Black as Chief Strategic Officer, this dynamic leadership pair brings both continuity and bold vision. Together, they will elevate our schools’ vision of producing lifelong learners and leaders who thrive in our global society.”

—Andrew Snyder, Board Chair
The Schools of McKeel Academy

Michelle Poppell

Michelle Poppell

Principal

Welcome to South McKeel Academy! My name is Michelle Poppell, and I am honored to serve as the principal of this exceptional school. With nineteen years of experience in education, I have dedicated my entire career to The Schools of McKeel Academy family, and I am thrilled to be in my sixth year leading South McKeel.

I earned my degree in Elementary Education from Florida Southern College and furthered my passion for educational leadership by obtaining a Master’s degree from the University of South Florida. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of teaching 1st, 3rd, and 5th grades, and I have also served as an instructional coach, helping to guide and support our outstanding teachers.

As principal, my goal is to create a positive, engaging, and supportive environment where every student can achieve their fullest potential. I believe in fostering strong relationships with our students, families, and staff to build a community that values growth, collaboration, and excellence. I am proud to be a Wildcat and a member of the House of Lideris, known as the Watchmen, and I take great pride in watching over the students and staff of South McKeel. I look forward to another successful year at South McKeel Academy!