New school year brings new principal to Anna Maria Elementary
HOLMES BEACH – The 2021-22 school year is about to begin at Anna Maria Elementary on Aug. 10, and the first day for students is also the first day for Principal Michael Masiello.
Following the retirement of Principal Jackie Featherston, Masiello was transferred from Ballard Elementary, where he had been principal for the past five years. 
A Manatee County native, Masiello has been an educator in the area for many years, serving as assistant principal at Bayshore Elementary, principal at Ballard and as a special education teacher at Stewart Elementary for 10 years.
“AME is a school of excellence and I’d like to continue the high level of achievement they’ve had at this school,” Masiello said. “I want to bring a positive, upbeat growth mindset environment. I just want to bring everyone on staff together and work as a team to make it a positive environment.”
Principal Masiello also stressed the importance of maintaining a relationship with parents.
“I love interacting with the kids and the parents. I have an open door policy and love for the parents to be involved in their child’s education. If they have concerns, I want them to come with me with their concerns. I’m here to problem solve and do what’s in the best interest of the kids,” said Masiello.
Principal Masiello also stressed the importance of being involved with the community, hoping that students, parents and staff can make this a great year of learning and return to normalcy after a difficult 2020-21 school year due to COVID.
Mike Masiello has been named the new principal. Masiello has been with Manatee schools since 1996, most recently serving as principal of Ballard Elementary since 2016.