- July 7, 2026
Kelly Moore always wanted to be the kind of person that helped lift others up.
A career in education has helped her do just that, and as Tomoka Elementary's new principal, Moore is excited to start the upcoming school year.
"I am ready to hit the ground running with my sneakers on," Moore said. "I do wear sneakers every day, because I am going to be up, out, about, here and there, and everywhere. ... So sneakers on the ground. I want to make sure the school feels the support and that I've got their back."
Moore has been in education for 15 years, having worked at the elementary school level for the past eight. She was most recently the assistant principal at Chisholm Elementary.
As her husband was born and raised in Ormond Beach, Moore said they have spent the better part of the last two decades in town, even though they currently reside in Port Orange. Ormond feels like home, she said, and she said Tomoka Elementary is where she wanted to be.
Moore, who has been with Volusia County Schools since 2013, succeeds Julie Roseboom, who retired at the end of this past school year after a 40-year career. As Tomoka Elementary is an A-rated school, and one that saw improved state assessment scores, Moore said she's "here to keep that good energy."
"Tomoka is already doing great things," Moore said. "Tomoka has already moved mountains to grow in their proficiency for ELA and for math. So my top priority is to keep that momentum moving. I am a very growth mindset-oriented person, so I want everybody to have the opportunity to reach their potential."
As principal, she said she wants to ensure the school is meeting the needs of all students, including those who need more academic help and ESE students.
Tomoka Elementary will also become a gifted magnet school for the 2026-2027 school year. Students will have an increased focus on critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as perform more hands-on projects.
Outside of academics, Moore said she's also excited to take part in the school's annual 5K. Prior to having her three children, Moore completed an Ironman and ran four marathons. Today, she wakes up early every morning to lift weights.
She said she's a big believer in staying physically healthy keeps one mentally healthy, as well.
"I really believe that you cannot pour from an empty cup," Moore said.
It was her dad's influence that paved the way for her to become an educator, and now a principal. He was often the type of person that helped guide others and that made an impact on Moore.
As an assistant principal, she often would speak with parents about disciplinary issues and she'd explain to them that she was trying to help coach the student in a positive direction. That sentiment stands today as principal.
"It's really a guiding principle for me with assisting kids — I want to support them," Moore said.
