Katie Fradley of Bradenton will go from Gecko to Dolphin.
Willis Elementary’s vice principal for 2023-24 was named Anna Maria Elementary School’s principal for 2024-25.
While students take their summer break, Fradley will work with retiring principal Mike Masiello through June to transition into her new role.
Her official start date is July 1.
Fradley told The Islander via email May 22 that AME is her dream school.
“It took me 34 years to get here and I’m planning on planting down roots,” she wrote. “I love the small size, community involvement and deep-seated history that AME has to offer.”
Fradley visited AME May 21, attending a fifth-grade graduation ceremony and conversing with staff.
“I’m enjoying gathering input and feedback on the traditions that make AME so special,” she said.
Fradley said a goal is to get to know students, families and staff.
“I plan on being highly visible on campus, as well as in the community,” she said. “Ultimately, I want to see how I can help maintain the unique historical qualities of AME while ensuring that students are provided with opportunities for growth and a foundation for success.”
Fradley grew up in west Bradenton and said she is no stranger to the island.
“I spent a lot of time on the island as a child with friends who lived out there,” she said. “My first job was actually at the old Foodway on the island where Publix is now.”
Fradley holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Florida State University. She has a master’s degree in reading from the University of South Florida and a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from USF. Her career spans 34 years, with 30 in Manatee County and four years in Honolulu.
She taught at Braden River Elementary, Sea Breeze and Rowlett, as well as at a K-12 private school in Hawaii.
She also worked as an instructional specialist for the school district, assisting in “turnaround” status with the state. In 2020, Masiello — then at Ballard — hired her as the school’s assistant principal.
Next stop, after two years at Ballard, she moved to Willis Elementary as the assistant principal.
Additionally, Fradley was an adjunct professor 2002-14 at USF and Saint Leo University, where her students included AME staff members Pidge Barreda, Sandy Fisher and Bridget Querrard.
Fradley’s husband, Chuck, is director of operations for Rowlett Academy. Their adult son, Henry, is a software engineer in San Francisco.