New principal looks to keep bar high
Bayshore Elementary School came back in a big way last year, improving in one year from a “C” school to an “A.”
With the help of principal Lynn Harrell and the great work of teachers and staff, including a Golden Apple winner, the school improved tremendously after a couple of down years.
When Harrell left to take another job within the system, Ben Ausman, stepped forward in late July to take over the school where he had served as assistant principal for several years before moving on to his first head principal position.
Ausman said he knows expectations are going to be high.
“The staff is great and they’re motivated and ready to achieve what they did last year and continue to grow upon that,” Ausman said. “One of our big focuses is how to grow and maintain after you get on top.”
Ausman is a product of the Lee County Public School system He attended Skyline Elementary, Trafalgar and Gulf middle schools, and Lehigh Senior High School. He graduated from the University of Florida and started his teaching career in 2003 at Veterans Park Academy for the Arts elementary.
Ausman became an assistant principal at Bayshore from 2010-14. After moving over as an assistant at Pelican Elementary for a year, he became the principal at Sunshine Elementary in Lehigh Acres in 2015, where he stayed for three years.
Meanwhile, Harrell took a position at the district level as executive director for professional development, leadership, and recruitment.
When Ausman had the opportunity to return to Bayshore this summer, he said he jumped at it.
The adjustment of getting to know the teachers didn’t apply to Ausman that much, as he knew many of the teachers (and some of the students) from his time as assistant principal.
“More than half the staff was here when I was here, so acclimating with the staff was pretty easy. Most of the fourth- and fifth-grader were here when I was here,” Ausman said. “I have a great relationship with many of the staff and parents.”
Ausman said he will be helped by the staff and parents who are very involved in their children’s education.
“The staff and the kids are great and an involved group of parents. Community support is good and I’m super excited to be home and looking to continue the great work that has already begun here,” Ausman said.