William Floyd Middle School assistant principal Dr. TJ Heintz and Tangier Smith Elementary School assistant principal Jacqueline Cabrera were both named 2024-25 Council of Administrators and Supervisors (CAS) Administrators of the Year! Each year, CAS honors outstanding public school principals, assistant principals, supervisors, directors and chairs from Nassau and Suffolk counties for their excellence, diligence, professionalism and dedication. Both Dr. Heintz and Mrs. Cabrera are being recognized for having exemplified the highest qualities of school administrative leadership, achievement, vision, innovation and collaboration with students, staff and fellow administrators within the community.

The selection process for this award is extensive and rigorous, as there are nearly 1,500 individuals across more than 75 CAS units. Of the many school districts that had administrators get selected as winners through this process, the William Floyd School District was the only district to have two of its administrators selected as winners. That speaks volumes to the high quality of service that Dr. Heintz and Mrs. Cabrera have exemplified day in and day out.

Dr. TJ Heintz has helped make an impact on the lives of several generations of staff and students, having been in his position at WFMS for 28 years and counting. In his nearly three decades of work, he has exemplified continuous dedication toward the William Floyd community and a tireless commitment to shaping the future of William Floyd students.

“He has not only contributed to the success of the district but has become a shining example of what it means to be an outstanding instructional leader,” said John Rumpler, an assistant principal at WFMS who has worked alongside Dr. Heintz for 17 years and nominated him for this award. Dr. Heintz is also renowned for his strong leadership skills and ability to create a collaborative school environment that empowers staff and students alike to reach their fullest potential. “Dr. Heintz is the kind of leader who not only believes in collaboration but truly lives it,” said Mr. Rumpler. “He ensures that everyone – whether they are students, staff or colleagues – feels valued and appreciated. His leadership has consistently focused on teamwork, with the students’ best interest at the heart of every decision he makes. His approachability is something that sets him apart – whether you need advice, guidance or just someone to listen, Dr. Heintz is always there, ready to lend an ear and offer a solution. His genuine willingness to help has made him an invaluable asset to William Floyd Middle School.”  

Mrs. Jacqueline Cabrera has been a part of the William Floyd School District throughout her entire life. She’s a William Floyd graduate who also taught in the district for 16 years before being promoted to her current position at Tangier Smith, which she has served in for nearly nine years and counting. Throughout her professional career, Mrs. Cabrera has poured her heart and soul into cultivating a learning environment where everyone can thrive. She has exemplified an unwavering commitment to the students she works with and has helped them feel seen, valued and capable of success.

“She approaches every situation with empathy, strength and the determination to create opportunities where there seems to be none,” said Tangier Smith principal Dominic Ciliotta, who nominated Mrs. Cabrera for this award. “Her leadership extends beyond administrative responsibilities – she is a champion for character education, a steadfast advocate for her students even beyond their time in school. Whether they graduate or move on from our district, she continues to check up on them, ensuring they are making the right choices and staying on the right path, instilling in our students the values of kindness, resilience and respect. Because of her, our school is not just a place of learning; it is a community where every child knows they belong.” Mr. Ciliotta also emphasized the impact Mrs. Cabrera had on him when he was selected as the new principal of Tangier Smith in 2023. “As I stepped into my role as principal, Mrs. Cabrera’s guidance and support helped me navigate the challenges and opportunities that came my way,” he said. “Her wisdom, patience and belief in collaboration have been invaluable, and I am beyond grateful to work alongside such an inspiring leader.”  

Congratulations to both Dr. Heintz and Mrs. Cabrera on this tremendous and well-deserved honor!