Cimino Gives Big Send-Off to Principal Debbie Talley

There were plenty of tears evident at Friday, June 8.

But they had nothing to do with the end of the school year or the fifth-graders moving on to middle school.

For parents, teachers and staff, the end of the school year also meant saying goodbye to the longtime principal, Debbie Talley.

Talley has been at Cimino since it opened 10 years ago, the past six years as principal. She is leaving the school to accept an administrative position with the Hillsborough County School District.

To mark the occasion, staff presented her with a sash and tiara to wear along with a bouquet of red roses, and Talley led the fifth-graders through the school grounds during the school's traditional clapout.

Among the parents in attendance was Carmen Tate whose twin sons, Scott and Connor, are headed to middle school next fall. Daughter, Casey, is a fourth-grader at the Valrico school.

"I've known Mrs. Talley since the boys were in kindergarten," said Tate. "I'm so disappointed she's leaving. She's a wonderful principal, so committed. I'm always amazed at how she knows the first names of all of the kids."

"It's a very emotional day," said exceptional student education teacher Angela Tibbits, who is also leaving Cimino to teach at another elementary school. "This was my third year with her. She is an awesome principal."

"I've just stopped crying," said Kara Atchinson, mother of a third-grader. "We are so excited for Mrs. Talley but Cimino is not going to be the same without her. She is Cimino."

Bonnie Steele has been the data processor at Cimino for 10 years, and couldn't contain her tear when she spoke of Talley.

"She's an awesome administrator, a great leader and a mom to us all," said Steele. "It's going to be hard but this will be a new adventure for her and us."

ESE specialist Cheryl Yordan has worked with Talley for 17 years.

"Absolutely, I'll miss her," said Yordan. "She's such a fair, wonderful administrator, always able to listen and help you solve your problems. She's truly like the older sister I never had. I love her so much."

Talley's replacement has yet to be named.

"However, I'm sure my successor will be equally warm and caring," said Talley.

As for missing the staff and kids, Talley said that's a given.

"But I'll still come back and visit," she said.