Mr. Michael Rowan
Principal

As a former Lion, Michael Rowan is very excited to return to his Alma Mater. He is a graduate as well as a former teacher, coach and Assistant Principal of Student Affairs. Mr. Rowan is a graduate of the University of South Florida with a Bachelors degree in Social Science Education and a Masters degree in Educational Leadership. He is also a soccer coach for the Florida Soccer Club in Temple Terrace. He recently served as the Assistant Principal of Administration at Wharton High School. “I believe that education is a group effort, and I look forward to being a part of the King team.” Mr. Rowan is married and has two children.

Mr. Yinka Alege
Assistant Principal for Curriculum

Mr. Alege is a proud product of the Hillsborough County Public School system. He graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelors in English Education. Upon graduation, Mr. Alege taught English/Language Arts here at King High School and also taught with the Project Upward Bound/College Reach-Out Programs at the University of South Florida for five years. He later returned to school and earned his Masters in Educational Leadership.

In March 2005, Mr. Alege left King High School and was appointed Assistant Principal for Student Affairs at Middleton High School. He remained in that position until November 2007 when he was appointed Assistant Principal for Curriculum and returned to King. He was born in Dallas, TX and lived in Nigeria as a young child. He has three siblings and enjoys traveling, sleeping and spending time with his family.

He believes that "success is not only determined by how far one goes in life, but the struggles he/she overcomes in reaching their goal."

Mr. Mathew Romano
Assistant Principal for Magnet Curriculum

"We need to take advantage of every opportunity that we are given in our education system. If we do, the possibilities are endless," believes Mr. Mathew Romano about the role of education.

Born in Biloxi Mississippi, Mr. Romano received his Bachelors degree in Mathematics and Masters in Education from SUNY Geneseo and Oswego respectively. After serving as a math teacher in Syracuse, New York, he moved here to Tampa. He initially worked as a math teacher at Wharton High School. After working as the Assistant Principal for Student Affairs at Freedom High School, Mr. Romano took up the position of the Assistant Principal for Magnet Curriculum, or IB Program Coordinator, at King High School.

Over the course of three years, Mr. Romano had worked with teachers and students to increase the IB pass rate, to maintain students in the rigorous program, and to generally oversee all aspects of the magnet curriculum being implemented at King. But most of all, the best aspect of Mr. Romano's job, as he sees it, is being allowed to interact on a daily basis with the students.

Mr. Dennis Donaldson
Assistant Principal for Administration

Mr. Donaldson graduated from Texas A & M university with a Bachelors Degree in Social Studies & Physical Education. He later attended the University of Louisana at Lafayette, earning a Masters Degree in Secondary Education. He began his teaching career at Comeaux High School in Louisana and remained in that position for 5 years. He then began serving as a Graduate Assistant and Basketball Coach at the University of Louisana at Lafayette for 7 years.

In 1986, Mr. Donaldson accepted a position as the Assistant Basketball Coach at University of South Florida and remained in that position for 10 years. In 1996, Mr. Donaldson was hired as a member of the charter faculty, opening Blake High School as the Head Basketball Coach and Physical Education teacher (under the leadership of his predecessor Frank Oliver). He remained in that position until his transfer to Alonso High School. In 2006, Mr. Donaldson earned his Masters Degree in Education Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

In 2008, Mr. Donaldson was appointed Assistant Principal for Student Affairs at Alonso High School and remained in that position until his current appointment on June 1, 2009 as the Assistant Principal for Administration at King High School.

Mrs. Martha Mcfarland
Assistant Principal for Student Affairs

"Be the change that you want to see in the world," a message felt and practiced each day by Mrs. McFarland. As a Florida native, she was born and raised in Melbourne, FL. She attended the University of South Florida earning her undergraduate degree in English Education and later returning to earn her Master's Degree in Educational Leadership.

Mrs. McFarland began her teaching career in middle school and then transitioned to high school, ending her teaching career as a SpringBoard English teacher at East Bay High School. In her spare time, she enjoys working out, running, going to the beach, reading and spending time with her husband and their dog. She was appointed Assistant Principal for Student Affairs at King High School in 2009.

Being raised by parents who were both educators, teaching and learning has always been in her blood and the blood of her two brothers. She coached girl's track, volleyball and soccer and believes that all students will be successful as long as they remember that "improvement begins with I."

Mr. James Taylor
Assistant Principal for Student Affairs

Mr. James Taylor, Assistant Principal of Student Affairs, graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature degree, and Masters of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction degree. Also got a degree of Masters of Arts in Educational Leadership from the Georgia State University. Worked for 18 years as an educator. Mr.Taylor began his career in Hillsborough County Schools for the first 7 years. Worked as English Department Chair in the magnet programs at Tampa Bay Tech, taught and worked as an administrator at 4 International Baccalaureate World Schools, Worked for 6 years at Atlanta International School as English Department Head and Dean of 10th Grade. He piloted the first Advanced Placement English Language course in Hillsborough County in 1997. Was the Principal of a K-8 International Baccalaureate Charter School in Atlanta for 2 years. I believe that students learn best when they are engaged in authentic, hands-on activities that require them to apply knowledge and concepts to solve complex, real world problems. Students need to read, write, and present in every subject in order to develop exceptional communication skills necessary for the 21st century work place. Every student should take a rigorous schedule of course work each year in order to prepare themselves for life.

1. Bachelors of Arts in English Literature -- University of South Florida
2. Masters of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction--University of South Florida
3. Masters of Arts in Educational Leadership -- Georgia State University
4. Worked 18 years as an educator.
5. Began my career in Hillsborough County Schools for the first 7 years. Worked as English Department Chair in the magnet programs at Tampa Bay Tech.
6. Piloted the first Advanced Placement English Language course in Hillsborough County in 1997.
7. Have taught and worked as an administrator at 4 International Baccalaureate World Schools.
8. Worked for 6 years at Atlanta International School as English Department Head and Dean of 10th Grade.
9. Was the Principal of a K-8 International Baccalaureate Charter School in Atlanta for 2 years.
10. Moved back to Tampa to be closer to my family.
11. I am thrilled to work as an administrator at such diverse and academically school like King High School.
12. Educational Philosophy: I believe that students learn best when they are engaged in authentic, hands-on activities that require them to apply knowledge and concepts to solve complex, real world problems. Students need to read, write, and present in every subject in order to develop exceptional communication skills necessary for the 21st century work place. Every student should take a rigorous schedule of course work each year in order to prepare themselves for life.

Mr. Wayne Quin
Assistant Principal for Student Affairs

Mr. Wayne Quin, Assistant Principal of Student Affairs, graduated from the University of South Florida with degrees in various areas of study. He has received a Bachelors Degree in Science & Special Education, a Masters in Education and Educational Leadership Policies, and he is currently a Doctoral Candidate. An experienced teacher, Quin has taught at high schools such as Blake, Leto, Middelton, and Burns Middle School. As an assistant principal, Mr. Quin manages student affairs, interacts with students on a daily basis, and works with the administration to make necessary improvements for the the growth of King High School. Mr. Quin offers students this message: "The decisions you make today determine the options for tomorrow." Mr. Quin is also a proud father of 7-year-old twins.