(Bradenton, FL - May 20, 2026) The School District of Manatee County is proud to announce Mr. Dustin Dahlquist as the founding principal of Rangeland High School, the district’s newest high school currently under construction in Lakewood Ranch.
Entering his 30th year of service with the School District, Principal Dahlquist brings a strong record of leadership and a deep commitment to public education in Manatee County.
“Launching a new high school is an exciting moment for our district and community,” said Superintendent Dr. Laurie Breslin. “Dustin has the vision and leadership to build Rangeland High School into a model of excellence … one that reflects our shared commitment to student success and community pride.”
Scheduled to welcome its first students in August 2027, Rangeland High School is being built on approximately 85 acres at the southwest corner of Rangeland Parkway and Post Boulevard. The campus is designed to serve approximately 1,070 students initially, with capacity to support continued growth in the region.
As founding principal, Principal Dahlquist will be responsible for assembling the school’s leadership team, hiring staff, and working closely with families and community members to establish the school’s identity, traditions, and academic programs. He said he is honored to lead the development of a new school community built on high expectations, academic excellence, innovation, and strong partnerships.
“Our success at Lakewood Ranch High School is a testament to what a dedicated faculty, staff and community can achieve. As I look toward opening Rangeland High School, I am inspired by the opportunity of building a culture, a vision, and a legacy from day one,” said Principal Dahlquist.
Additional details about Rangeland High School, including the school’s mascot, colors, and leadership team, will be announced as the opening approaches.
The School District will advertise the opening for the Lakewood Ranch High School principal position in the coming weeks and will survey the school community for input as part of the process.
Principal Dahlquist Bio:
Mr. Dahlquist has been married to his wife, Megan, for 23 years. Together, they are proud parents of their son, Dane, who will be a senior at Lakewood Ranch High School this fall.
Mr. Dahlquist began his career in the School District of Manatee County at Southeast High School, where he served as both a teacher and a coach, laying an early foundation for student‑centered leadership and school involvement. He then transitioned to Palmetto High School, where he spent the next 18 years serving as a Science and Physical Education teacher, while also making a lasting impact on the school’s athletic and academic programs.
During his time at Palmetto High School, Mr. Dahlquist served in leadership roles as the school’s Athletic Director and then Assistant Principal, further broadening his experience in school operations, student engagement, and instructional leadership. He had a very successful tenure as the Head Boys Soccer Coach, leading his teams to three Regional Championships and numerous district titles, establishing a tradition of excellence and teamwork. One of the highlights of his tenure at Palmetto High School was being part of the leadership team that successfully brought the Cambridge AICE curriculum and program to the campus, expanding rigorous academic opportunities for students and strengthening the school’s academic profile.
Mr. Dahlquist later served as Principal of Buffalo Creek Middle School, where he played a key role in helping to create and grow the school’s successful Cambridge program, continuing his commitment to advanced academic pathways and student achievement at the secondary level. During his time at Buffalo Creek, the school raised its grade from a “C” to a “B.”
Most recently, Mr. Dahlquist has served as Principal of Lakewood Ranch High School beginning in January 2019. During his tenure, Lakewood Ranch High School experienced significant academic growth in the expansion of the College Board’s Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment at University of South Florida, State College of Florida, and Manatee Technical College while continuing to strengthen its reputation as an academic powerhouse. Under his leadership, the school expanded both access to and participation in Advanced Placement coursework, earning placement on the College Board’s AP Honor Roll in multiple years. These accomplishments were driven in part by the successful implementation of AP Capstone and the Mustang Collegiate Scholars Program, which broadened rigorous academic pathways and supported college readiness for students.