Loyal Heights Elementary School will get a new principal, Wayne Floyd, starting June 1.

Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Maria L. Goodloe-Johnson, Ph.D., and Chief Academic Officer Carla Santorno made the appointment for the 2009-2010 school year, along with several others.

Current Loyal Heights principal Cashel Toner will take over Leschi Elementary School, which is absorbing T.T. Minor's Montessori program. That school is closing this year.

Toner was chosen for Leschi due to her experience with Montessori programs, said David Tucker, school district spokesperson.

Floyd has been an integral part of Seattle Public Schools for the past 31 years, according to the district. He served as co-principal at Wing Luke Elementary for one year and as interim principal at Cleveland High School.

He previously served as assistant principal, dean of students and head teacher at Cleveland and Garfield high schools. Floyd’s professional preparation includes a bachelor of arts degree in education from Central Washington University, teacher certification K-12 from Central Washington University, and principal certification and a master of education degree from Antioch University.

As principal, he supported school staff and the school community in using data to drive decisions focused on student learning.

“Strong school leadership – and accountability – are among the focus areas of our five-year strategic plan, Excellence for All,” said Goodloe-Johnson. “Principals are accountable for ensuring academic excellence for every student and for fostering a positive and collaborative learning community. And central office leaders are accountable not only for academic results, but also for providing principals, teachers and staff with the best tools and systems possible to help students succeed.”

The other principal appointments announced are: Cothron McMillian, Brighton Elementary School; Chris Carter, Hamilton International Middle School; Beverly Raines, Lawton Elementary School; Cashel Toner, Leschi Elementary School; DeWanda Cook-Weaver, McGilvra Elementary School, and Jo Lute-Ervin, TOPS K-8 School.

The appointments become effective July 1, 2009.