After dedicating 12 years to her role, Mrs. Casandra D. Robinson, the esteemed and Proud Principal of the Historic Dillard High School, received unexpected news during a brief meeting on Friday, June 10, 2024. She was informed that effective July 1, 2024, she would be transferred to another high school less than five miles from her current location. Mrs. Robinson, while sad to leave the Dillard community, is more than equipped with the skill set needed to meet the demanding challenges that await her as the new and first Black principal of Plantation High School.
Mrs. Robinson, a dedicated servant and leader of the Dillard community, has demonstrated an unmatched passion for teaching and learning. Her commitment, shared leadership, and winning personality have been the cornerstone of her success at Dillard High School. During her tenure she has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. As Principal, she has spearheaded countless educational and community initiatives, too many to list them all. However, below are a few standout moments from her tenure at Dillard High School 6-12:
Academics
Played a crucial role in adding grades 6-8 to the school.
Led Dillard High School to achieve its first and only “A” grade in the school’s history.
Named Principal of the Year for the state of Florida by Florida TaxWatch
Received the Leonard Miller Principal Leadership Award and a $10,000 cash prize from the Council for Educational Change, Florida’s Educational Think Tank
Implemented the Cambridge Program, a rigorous course of study that can lead to an AICE Diploma and a Fulbright, tuition-free scholarship to any state college in Florida.
Increased industry certifications at Dillard High School from 21 to over 300 each year since her arrival.
At the June 2024 Leadership Training Conference for administrators, senior leaders recognized the school as the only one in the district to improve in 7 state-tested categories.
Technology
Added the Digital Entrepreneurship Magnet Program for 6-8 grade students.
Purchased 1000s of computers and other advanced technology units to be added to the school’s inventory for students and staff use.
Established 100s of business and community partnerships including but not limited to The Panther 100, Amazon, Publix, Motorola, Junior Achievement, Rotary Club, National Association of Black Women in Construction, The Links, AKAdemic Foundation, Steve Wasserman and Associates, and more.
Established a Sports Management Program as well as an award-winning Entrepreneurship program.
Revived the Sigma C@ts Robotics Program.
Have had the highest AP scores in the country in digital arts with straight 5s, the highest score possible.
In April 2024, with Mrs. Robinson’s guidance and backing, the Sigma C@ts Robotics Team participated in the World Robotics Competition. Dillard High School was the sole school in Florida to receive an award at the event.
Art
Personally secured a $450,000 grant to improve the performing and visual arts programs.
Supported the Jazz Band in winning the Essentially Ellington Jazz Competition in New York three times.
Actively participated, assisted, and promoted the school’s Broadway productions, concerts, performances, and exhibits.
Under Mrs. Robinson’s leadership, every band and chorus program has consistently achieved the highest possible ratings at district and state competitions.
Athletics
Has over five state basketball championships under her belt and a proven track record in athletics.
Renovated the weight room and outdoor track and regularly improved the gymnasium.
Hired and worked alongside many successful coaches, including Pinder, Burrows, Gill, Frasier, and more.
Named the track in honor of Mr. Robert Green, a long-time employee and Panther 100 founder.
Some additional accomplishments include working with district staff to install an all-turf field and painting the entire campus during the summer of 2024. Additionally, a new Mental Health Center will open in August 2024. Plans are also to partner with Broward Health to provide on-campus medical assistance to students and eventually to their families, with the facility also slated to open in August 2024.
Under Mrs. Robinson’s high expectations and exceptional leadership, Dillard High School has fostered a legacy of academic achievements, innovative projects, and numerous other accomplishments. Her transformative leadership has been instrumental in shaping the school’s success. Students and staff often quote Mrs. Robinson’s philosophy of Together We Make Great Things Happen, a legacy of its own.
Before joining Dillard High School, Mrs. Robinson was the Proud Principal of William Dandy Middle School, leading the school to earn an “A” grade for eight consecutive years.
Mrs. Robinson, a transformational leader, can be reached for speaking engagements, educational consultations, and professional coaching at casandradrobinson@gmail.com.
