Gillian Darby

Ms. Darby is proud to serve as the assistant principal at Central Ridge Elementary, where she is currently in her fifth school year at CRE and serving as the assistant principal for four of those years. With 14 years of experience in education, both instructionally and administratively, she brings a wealth of knowledge, dedication, and passion for supporting students, teachers, and families.

Throughout her educational career, Ms. Darby has served in a variety of roles, including instructional coach, interventionist, fourth-grade teacher, and kindergarten teacher. These experiences have shaped her belief that every student deserves an inclusive, supportive learning environment where they feel safe, valued, and empowered to succeed.

Ms. Darby believes one of CRE’s greatest strengths is its deep-rooted connection to the Citrus County community. At Central Ridge, the school is more than a place of learning; it is a family. She and the CRE team are always excited to welcome community partners into classrooms to read with students, support learning, and participate in special events. From STEAM Night and Chalk the Walk to Winter Fest and many other celebrations, these partnerships help create meaningful experiences for our students and strengthen the bond between school and community.