Maida Court originally applied to Plantation Key School to teach English and was instead recruited to be the assistant principal. Now, nine years later, Court is the new principal, taking on the job held by Lisa Taylor for 13 years before she retired at the end of the 2025-26 school year.
“This is my dream job,” Court said two days before school resumed for the 2026-27 school year. “I am excited and can’t stop squealing in delight.”
A career educator, Court relocated from Miami-Dade in 2017 with her husband Kevin and four children – Tyler, Stella, Trevor and Tristan. All have since graduated from Coral Shores High School.
She was with the Miami-Dade School District as an assistant principal for seven years and before that, an English teacher for 10 years, teaching sixth through 11th grade students. A second-generation Miami native, she earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Florida State University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Barry University.
Keys Weekly sat down with Court to learn more about the new principal and the year ahead. The conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Did you apply for the open position or were you appointed? I applied for the position and didn’t hear anything for nearly six weeks; then I had an interview one day, a second interview the next day and the following day, I got the job.
When did you know you wanted to be a teacher? Actually, I really wanted to be a principal. I remember in high school writing a letter to myself about wanting it. I wrote about pushing through when times were tough and I would make it. I remember all my principals as a student and a teacher.
What makes you most excited about being the principal? I have always been a people person who loves children and adults. I feel that at PKS I have the ability to help so many people connect and act as the conduit. I am most looking forward to sharing the generosity of our parents and community for our students’ benefit.
How would you describe your teaching style? Making lessons as applicable to life as possible, teaching real world, nitty-gritty life skills.
And your leadership style? I think I am best described as a coach type of leader. I like building teams and empowering them. I act as the hype person in the background. My job is to make sure everyone is in the right seat on the bus.
You are following in the footsteps of a local legend…Lisa Taylor. In my interview with her before she retired, she offered words of wisdom to you: ‘Don’t forget to have fun. Keep looking for the high spots throughout the day. There are so many great things happening; don’t get bogged down in the hard stuff.’ How will you take this to heart? I will take action to physically stand up, leave my office and get into the classrooms. Nothing better than to visit the kids. They always make you smile and snap out of whatever is bogging you down. I learned from Lisa two philosophies. First, always do what is best for the children. Second, make sure everyone is in the right seat on the bus.
Anything you are changing in the new school year? I haven’t really changed anything. Our school earned an A-rating again. We more than met the requirements. Why change anything?
Special skill or gift which you possess? I hope it’s my energy, love and excitement for life, and ability of being present.
What are you looking forward to most in your first year as principal? That’s a tough one. All of it. Everything.
How have you prepared for this transition? I worked all summer getting ready. All the details are done and we can hit the ground running.
Is the school fully staffed? Yes. We have nine new staff members, five of which are teachers.
Monica Hornsley is also new as assistant vice president. Was that the first decision you made? There was an interview process that me and the deputy superintendent (Amber Acevedo) did together. Monica was our top choice. A longtime teacher, she was most recently PKS’ literacy coach. She has extensive knowledge and is brilliant. She is one of the hardest working people in the building.
Tell me about how you two work together. While we each have our list of duties, we can work fluidly, assisting one another when needed. We both love data, numbers and statistics. It’s awesome to have someone of a similar mindset.
How many students are you expecting on the first day? Around 540 students.
What terrifies you about being principal? Nothing. I’ve been through so much in education and at PKS. I say, bring it. I can do it.
You mentioned parental and community support. Can you expand on that? I’ve worked at seven schools over my career and I’ve never experienced the high level of generosity and support that I do at PKS. Parents on the PTA (Parent Teacher Association) are enthusiastic with not only ideas but with execution. They are helpful, problem-solvers and resourceful.
Is there a group of staff set up similar to the PTA? Yes, internally we have the Sunshine Committee, which we started last year. The staff find ways to celebrate each other and share their positive energy, whether it is breakfast carts, monthly themes or special T-shirts.
When you are not at PKS, where can you be found? What do you do in your downtime? I love being with my kids, my family. Cooking and being on the water, then hopefully cooking our catch.
