Meet Our Administrators

Kelly Slusser - Principal

Ms. Kelly Slusser is the Principal of Central High School where she cultivates a school culture focused on academic success and college and career readiness for all students.  Prior to becoming a high school Principal, Kelly served as an Assistant Principal for three years at the secondary level.  In addition, she taught high school mathematics for 15 years where she served as Mathematics Department Chair.  Ms. Slusser earned her B.S. degree in Mathematics from the University of Tampa and her M.Ed. degree from National Louis University.  She has had the opportunity to use sports as a vehicle to further her education both as a player and as a coach.

"It's the little details that are vital.  Little things make big things happen."  ~John Wooden

Dr. Radiah Dent-Palmer - Assistant Principal

Dr. Dent is the administrator for the 10th grade cadre as well as the 12th grade cadre for last names A - Ge.

Dr. Radiah Dent has worked as  a Spanish teacher, School Counselor, and most recently in Administration during her educational career. She encourages students to succeed as well as to recognize their own potential for greatness. Dr. Dent earned her B.A. in Psychology and Spanish, her M. Ed in School Counseling, Ed. S in Educational Leadership, and a PH.D in Psychology. Her favorite quote is from Bob Marley,

"The greatness of a man is not measured by how much wealth he aquires, but his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively."

Mr. Brandon DeRespiris - Assistant Principal

Mr. DeRespiris is the administrator for the 11th grade cadre as well as the 12th grade students with last names Go - O.

Mr. Brandon DeRespiris is our newest Administrator for the 2021-2022 school year. Mr. DeRespiris is a product of Hernando County Schools having graduated from Nature Coast Technical High School in 2008. He earned his Bachelor's in Secondary Social Studies at Southeastern University in 2012. He earned his Master's in Educational Leadership from the University of West Florida in 2018. His education and coaching experince includes:

  • Kathleen High School (Polk County) 2012 – 2015: AP Human Geography & World History

  • Southeastern University 2012-2017: Baseball Recruiting Coordinator, Hitting Coach, & Adjunct Professor (1 Year)

  • Mulberry High School (Polk County) 2016-2017: World History 

  • Citrus High School (Citrus County) 2017-2019: ESE Teacher & Head Baseball Coach

  • Nature Coast Technical High School 2019-2021: PE/HOPE, World History, Social Studies Department Chair, and Head Baseball Coach.

He has been married to his wife for eight years and they have been blessed with a son, 4 and daughter, 1.