Hernando County names Sandra Giraldo new Deltona Elementary principal

Deltona Elementary families will see a new leader before students return next fall, and the biggest question now is how Sandra Giraldo will shape the school day, from classroom expectations to how parents hear from the office.

The Hernando County School District announced May 27 that Giraldo will become principal of Deltona Elementary School starting July 1. She is currently an assistant principal at Hernando High School, where she has worked since 2025 and is listed in the school directory as one of three assistant principals, alongside Donald McNaughton and Stacey Swihart. Hernando High has 1,316 students.

Deltona Elementary sits at 2055 Deltona Blvd. in Spring Hill, and the school’s contact page currently lists Julie Sweeney as principal and Trina Crawford as assistant principal. Giraldo’s move will replace that campus leadership as the school heads into the 2026-27 year, giving the district a summer window to reset routines, staffing plans and family communication before classes begin.

The district said Giraldo brings leadership experience from elementary, middle and high school settings in Palm Beach County. Her background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Barry University. She also holds certifications in Spanish, ESOL and Gifted Education, along with experience in English Language Arts, reading, English for Speakers of Other Languages and ESE.

That mix matters for a campus like Deltona, where families often watch closely for progress in literacy, math and student support. The district’s stated vision for the school is 100% annual growth in literacy and math, while building a safe, inclusive and engaging learning environment where 90% or more of students feel connected to the school community. Giraldo’s experience across core academics and support services suggests the district wants a principal who can work on both instruction and school culture.

Giraldo said she was honored by the appointment and looked forward to working with families, staff, students and community members to build a positive school culture, foster meaningful relationships and pursue educational excellence. The district echoed that assessment, saying her dedication to student achievement, commitment to academic excellence and proven leadership abilities made her an outstanding choice.

The appointment also puts a new face at one of Spring Hill’s neighborhood schools under Superintendent Ray Pinder and the Hernando County School Board, led by Chair Kayce Hawkins and Vice Chair Shannon Rodriguez, with members Michelle Bonczek, Susan Duval and Mark Johnson. For Deltona families, the change is less about titles than about what comes next: how Giraldo leads classrooms, supports teachers and sets the tone for the year ahead.