BY LONDON DERNIS AND ABBY GOLDBERG
At Cooper City High School, we are fortunate to have a principal as dedicated and exceptional as Principal Vera Perkovic (Mrs. P). Her unwavering commitment to our school has been evident for years, and we are incredibly proud that she was recently recognized as a finalist for Broward County Principal of the Year in the prestigious Caliber Awards.
With 21 years of service to Broward County Public Schools, Mrs. P’s journey as a Cooper Cowboy began in 2015 when she joined the CCHS team. She then became our principal in 2020, and throughout her time here, her passion for education has been a guiding light for our school community.
“My philosophy on education is anchored in the belief that cultivating meaningful connections within a positive, supportive environment lays the groundwork for success, ensuring that academic excellence remains a central priority,” said Mrs. P.
Mrs. P is deeply committed to ensuring CCHS remains an “A” school while preparing students for life after high school. Her leadership has resulted in a remarkable 99% graduation rate—the highest in the school’s history—thanks to the “Each One, Reach One” initiative.
Under her leadership, CCHS has made significant strides in academic growth. By revisiting and enhancing our Career and Technical Program, expanding Industry Certification opportunities, and broadening Advanced Academics course offerings through AICE and AP, the school has experienced a 12% increase in acceleration.
“She works 24/7,” Assistant Principal Amira Britton said. “There’s not a day that goes by where Mrs. P doesn’t make sure that her campus is always safe, and that it is always productive. There is always learning taking place.”
With Mrs. P’s guidance, CCHS has evolved into a dynamic school offering a wide range of educational opportunities. She has been a strong advocate for field trips that provide hands-on learning experiences, particularly in courses like AICE Marine A and AICE European History. Since becoming Principal, CCHS has expanded its offerings to include initiatives like Saturday Academy and ELO study days, further enriching the academic experience for students.
Not only is Mrs. P dedicated to student success, but she is also committed to supporting her teachers and fostering their professional growth. “Whenever professional development opportunities are offered by the county, Mrs. P encourages us to attend and even provides substitutes so we can participate,” said Science Department Head Kelly Agnew. “As far as academics are concerned, it’s always been a priority, and they support us in everything we do to further our own education, which ultimately impacts our students.”
What sets Mrs. P apart is her talent for making learning an engaging and enjoyable experience. Through initiatives like school spirit weeks and weekly Fun Fridays during lunch, she creates opportunities for students to connect with campus life in ways that go beyond the classroom.
“Mrs. P is very involved. She’s at every single senior night every year, she attends every Friday night football game-home and away-and then when she reports to work in the morning, there is
not a day where she is not monitoring the classrooms and making sure that each scholar reaches their maximum potential.”
Clear communication is one of the most essential aspects of running a successful school. Mrs. P makes it a point to attend every PTSA and SAC meeting to gather feedback on both new and ongoing initiatives. Through regular newsletters and online updates, she ensures that parents and community stakeholders stay informed and involved.
She fosters student engagement through the Principal Advisory Board, a diverse group of student leaders from all grade levels. Meeting bi-monthly, the board serves as a platform for students to share their perspectives and contribute to initiatives that strengthen the school community.
“It’s so much fun working with a group of people who care about the school,” said Nicole Abisror, a sophomore and advisory board member. “I love being part of efforts to make the school better for everyone.”
These ongoing conversations are deeply meaningful to Mrs. P. She places great value on listening to students and building strong, supportive relationships with them.
“My most meaningful learning experiences have come from truly hearing students’ voices— understanding their concerns and aspirations,” Mrs. P shared. “When students feel seen, heard, and valued, they become more engaged, empowered, and connected to their school community.”
Cooper City High School is proud to call her their principal, recognizing her dedication and leadership in creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-achieving environment. The community celebrates her well-deserved nomination for Principal of the Year, a testament to the extraordinary work she does in shaping the future of the school.
