Willis Elementary principal leaving for new challenge

In Suzanne Tomlin’s fifth-grade classroom at Robert Willis Elementary in Lakewood Ranch, there has been a paper tree on the wall for 19 years, the whole time Tomlin has been a teacher at the school. 

This spring, when a fire marshal came to visit the school, Tomlin was told to take it down as it was touching the ceiling and could potentially be unsafe. 

That's when Principal Kathy Price went to work, as she had done in her role for six years at the school.

Price had a fire marshal return to work with the school to slightly adjust the tree until it no longer qualified as a hazard.

It was one of the little things that made Price special to everyone around her.

“The fact that she went to bat for me on something like that, and went to bat for the kids, because she knew how much it meant, was way beyond anything she needed to do,” Tomlin said. “It's definitely not in her job description.” 

Unfortunately for Willis Elementary, Price is leaving the district after six years as a principal at Willis and the previous five years as a principal at Myakka Elementary. 

She has accepted a position as the executive director of the Manatee Education Foundation which provides funding for innovative programs and enhances educational opportunities for schools in Manatee County. 

“She’ll be able to have all that heart out in the open and just be able to give and work,” said Kim Thomas, a student support specialist at Willis who also worked with Price at Myakka Elementary.  “She'll still be working for the students,  and that's always been her main thrust.”

Price said Willis Elementary has become her home away from home, but she was in need of a change. She wanted a position that would provide more flexibility, especially if the time comes that she becomes a grandmother.

“Being a principal is a very rewarding job but it's a hard job, a 24-hour job,” Price said. 

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Since Price has been the principal at Willis, the kindergarteners she had her first year are graduating elementary school as she wraps up her last year as principal. 

Fifth grader Gianna Boccaccio recalls how welcoming Price was when they first met. When her mother Allison Boccaccio was PTO president her first-grade year, Price allowed her to read in her office when she had to stay after school for her mother's meetings. 

“Now when I see her, she's still really happy to see me,” Boccaccio said.

“I have enjoyed every minute," Price said. "Seeing them come in as the 5-year-olds, and watching them grow up ... watching them grow into the young leaders that they are now. I could not be more proud.”

Price recalled some of her favorite memories such as dressing up as Elf on the Shelf, a turkey, a present and becoming a human ice cream sundae. Price said she will continue to follow Willis, to keep up on all the students' awards and service projects. 

Price said the most rewarding moments at Willis Elementary were when she was able to reach those who were more closed off, and in need of help.

“When you have broken through the barrier of some of the toughest walls, whether it's staff or students, that's the greatest joy,” Price said. 

Price said she hopes the staff at Willis keeps the collaborative culture going and they continue to support each other and make her proud. 

“I want them to keep the whole child in mind because there's more to the school than just academics,” Price said.