Administration and Faculty

Jason W. Kurtz, PhD - Principal

Dr. Kurtz

Dr. Jason Kurtz is excited to serve as the Principal of Hector A. Cafferata, Jr. Elementary School.

Dr. Kurtz grew up in Kendall, NY graduating from Kendall Jr. Sr. High School. He received his undergraduate degree from Hamilton College in Comparative Literature with a minor in education. Dr. Kurtz earned his Master’s Degree in Special Education from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2004 and his Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership and Exceptional Student Education from the Adrian Dominican School of Education at Barry University in 2011. His interests include special education, organizational learning and change.

Dr. Kurtz began his career in education at Immokalee Middle School, where he taught 7th grade Language Arts and Reading. He has taught elementary, middle, and college level students and has served as an administrator at both the school and district levels in his more than 17 years with the School District of Lee County. Dr. Kurtz believes in meeting the needs of all students and views a collaborative school environment as the key to creating successful students and teachers. He believes partnerships with parents and community partners are essential to enriching the educational experience at Cafferata Elementary.

During his free time, Dr. Kurtz enjoys sailing, baseball, reading, and spending time with his family.

 

Michael Licata - Assistant Principal 

 Mr. LicataMr. Licata originally grew up in Michigan and graduated from Western Michigan University. Mr. Licata earned his Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from St. Leo University. He is currently in his 17th year with Lee County Schools. Mr. Licata began his career teaching 4th grade at Ray V. Pottorf for three years. For 12 years, Mr. Licata worked at Heights Elementary and served in multiple roles as a 4th-grade teacher, Math Coach, and most recently as the Dean of Students. Mr. Licata has a passion for working with students and has a focus on teaching the whole child. He believes that creating a positive culture, collaborating collectively, and commitment to setting high expectations is the key to a successful school, and ultimately student learning!  

Mr. Licata’s wife, Kristyn, teaches 3rd grade in the district and they have two boys (Joey 9 and Vinny 11) that keep them very busy. During his free time, Mr. Licata enjoys golfing, working out, going to the beach, and spending time with family and friends.

Mr. Licata is honored and thrilled to serve as Assistant Principal at Hector A. Cafferata Jr Elementary School!