Administration

PRINCIPAL

Laura Touchstone
(850) 937-5449 
ltouchstone@ecsdfl.us 

Education
master’s | july 2004 | university of alabama | tuscaloosa, al
Master of Arts in Educational Leadership
certification | may 2003 | alabama a&m university | normal, al
Reading Specialist Certification
bachelor’s | dec 1998 | university of south alabama | mobile, al
Bachelor of Science in Education
Class of 1995, Clements High School

Laura Touchstone is a seasoned educator with a rich and diverse background spanning 26 years. Her journey in education reflects a steadfast commitment to transformative leadership and a passion for fostering positive change in schools. Laura received a Bachelor's in Elementary Education from The University of South Alabama, providing her with a strong foundation in pedagogical principles. She further enriched her expertise by earning a Reading Specialist certification from Alabama A&M University, showcasing her dedication to fostering literacy skills. Laura continued her academic journey by obtaining a Masters in Educational Leadership from The University of Alabama, solidifying her commitment to educational excellence.

Laura's career began as a teacher, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of the dynamics within the classroom. Her dedication and innovative teaching methods earned her the title of Teacher of the Year not once, but twice, a testament to her exceptional contributions to the field of education.

Recognizing the pivotal role of literacy in a student's academic journey, Laura transitioned to the role of Reading Coach, where she excelled and was duly acknowledged as Reading Coach of the Year. Her expertise in literacy education led her to become a National Literacy Consultant, allowing her to share her knowledge and strategies with educators on a broader scale.

Laura continued to climb the educational leadership ladder, serving as an Instructional Coach, Assistant Principal, and eventually assuming the role of Principal. Her leadership style is characterized by a commitment to turning schools around, improving student achievement, and closing the achievement gap. Her efforts in this regard have not gone unnoticed, as she earned the prestigious Principal of the Year award.

The Florida TaxWatch recognized Laura for her exemplary leadership with the Principal Leadership Award, acknowledging her transformative practices in high-risk K-12 public schools. Her dedication to student success and the improvement of educational outcomes was further underscored by the Florida Department of Education, which honored her as a Florida Turnaround Principal.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Laura Touchstone describes herself as a Christian, a dedicated wife, and a loving mother. Her personal values align with her educational philosophy, emphasizing the importance of integrity, compassion, and faith.

Now at Tate High School, Laura brings her wealth of experience and passion for educational excellence to her role as principal. With a proven track record of success and a relentless commitment to making a positive impact on students' lives, Laura Touchstone continues to inspire and lead in the realm of education.

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL, CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

Austin Courson
(850) 937-2301 
acourson@ecsdfl.us 
 

Education
American College of Education, Class of 2018 – M.Ed. in Educational Leadership
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Class of 2014 – B.S. Technical Management, Logistics
Tate High School, Class of 2009

Austin Courson is a fifth-generation Floridian and a committed, visionary educational leader dedicated to student achievement, teacher support, and high-quality instructional programming. A second-generation educator and proud graduate of Tate High School, Austin brings over 15 years of experience in public education and a deep-rooted passion for developing future-ready learners.

He began his career in 2010 as a program assistant with the Escambia County School District’s Agricultural Education and FFA programs, supporting initiatives at the district level, Tate High School, and Ransom Middle School. In 2015, he transitioned into the classroom as an Agricultural Educator and FFA Advisor, serving students at West Florida High School of Advanced Technology before returning to Tate High School.

Austin’s dedication and instructional excellence were recognized in 2019 when he was named Tate High School Teacher of the Year and a Top 5 Finalist for Escambia County School District Teacher of the Year. He has led multiple instructional development efforts through district and statewide committees, helping shape the future of career and technical education in Florida.

Currently, Austin serves as the Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction at Tate High School, where he focuses on empowering students, revitalizing the teaching workforce, and implementing high standards of learning. In this role, he collaborates with faculty, staff, and district leadership to improve instructional practices and student outcomes school-wide.

At the district level, Austin has served on several key committees, including the START Review Board, Contract Negotiation Team, Employee Benefits Committee, and as Chair of the Student Discipline Task Force. His leadership philosophy emphasizes collaboration, integrity, and a student-centered approach to problem-solving.

A lifelong advocate for agricultural education, Austin proudly served as the 2009–2010 Florida FFA State Secretary. Under his leadership, the Tate FFA Chapter achieved national recognition, ranking among the top 160 chapters out of more than 9,500 nationwide.

Austin’s work is grounded in three guiding values: people, passion, and purpose—principles that continue to drive his service to students, teachers, and the broader school community.

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL, DEANS & DISCIPLINE

Brandy White
(850) 937-5455 
bwhite1@ecsdfl.us  

 

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL, FACILITIES & ATHLETICS

Greg Blackmon
(850) 937-5476
gblackmon@ecsdfl.us
 

Education
University of West Florida, Class of 1998 – M.Ed. in Educational Leadership
University of West Florida, Class of 1990 – B.S. in Physical Education
Pensacola Junior College, Class of 1988 – A.A. in Physical Education
Tate High School, Class of 1986igh School, Class of 2009

Greg Blackmon is a lifelong Aggie, a championship-winning coach, and a respected educational leader who has dedicated more than three decades to the students of Escambia County Public Schools. A proud graduate of Tate High School, Greg’s journey from the Aggie baseball field to the front office reflects his deep commitment to his community.  

As a student-athlete, Greg played under legendary coach Randy Putman from 1984–1986, leading the Aggies to two Florida State Championships and the 1984 National Championship. His success continued at Pensacola Junior College, where he captured a Conference Championship, before advancing to the University of West Florida. At UWF, he distinguished himself as one of the program’s top hitters, setting the school’s career batting average record (.375), earning All-Region honors, and helping his team reach the NAIA College World Series under the leadership of Jim Spooner. In recognition of his accomplishments, Greg was inducted into the UWF Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005.

After his playing career, Greg returned to his alma mater as Tate’s head baseball coach in 1998, where his leadership defined an era of Aggie excellence. Across 14 seasons, his teams compiled a 329–78 record, captured two state championships (1998 & 2005), and made five Final Four appearances. Greg remains the winningest coach in Tate baseball history, honored as 6A Coach of the Year and an eight-time District I FACA Coach of the Year.

Today, Greg serves as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Tate High School, where he works to ensure that Aggie athletics and academics continue to thrive. In this role, he mentors coaches, supports student-athletes, and fosters a culture of character, discipline, and pride that reflects the rich legacy of Tate High School.

Beyond campus, Greg is a devoted family man. He is married to Melissa Blackmon, a fellow UWF Hall of Fame inductee and former softball standout. Together, they have three children—Kaleigh, Logan, and Kendall—who share in the Aggie tradition of excellence.

Grounded in teamwork, perseverance, and integrity, Greg’s leadership continues to shape Tate High School’s future while honoring its storied past.