David Gunter, principal of King Middle School in Santa Rosa County, received recognition as the Innovative Principal of the Year for the district.

This award is sponsored annually by the Florida Council of Instructional Technology Leaders at the state level. As principal, Gunter believes that as the instructional leader he must create conditions under which students learn best, including acquiring appropriate technology skills, providing professional development for teachers, and most of all establishing the belief and expectation that all students can learn, and that instructional technology has the power to take students beyond the inner city or rural poverty to any academic venue, profession, or path to individual success that fits their individual knowledge, skills, and abilities.Currently, Gunter provides leadership at the district level for implementation of data driven curriculum and assessment decisions and implementation of the Classroom Walkthrough Model for assessing curriculum and instruction. He was recognized and honored by his peers at the February Principals’ Meeting and presented with a laptop computer from the district.