Principal Named for New High School in St. Johns County

ST. AUGUSTINE, FL -- The St. Johns County School Superintendent named Paul Abbatinozzi as the new principal of the new, yet-to-be named high school in northwest St. Johns County.

The new school is set to open next fall at the intersection of Longleaf Pine Parkway and Veterans Parkway.

Abbatinozzi has been involved in education for the past 18 years. He taught science at Murray Middle School and at Rogers Middle School. He served as assistant principal at the Gaines Alternative Center before taking the same job at Switzerland point Middle School.

The district appointed Abbatinozzi as principal of the district's alternative programs in 1999. After four years, he went to Sebastian Middle School as principal.

Abbatinozzi served as Director of School Services for St. Johns County in July 2006.

"Paul is an outstanding leader who will leave a huge void at the district office," said Superintendent Dr. Joseph Joyner. "Ultimately my decision was to place the very best candidate at the school, and Mr. Abbatinozzi's energy, enthusiasm, people skills, and overall leadership ability make him the perfect match."

Abbatinozzi says he's looking forward to working with students and faculty in developing a new high school in one of the fastest growing parts of the county.

He has a B.A. from Flagler College, an M.A. from Florida State University and Certification in Educational Leadership from the University of North Florida.

He's married and has three children.

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