Jason Cates

Jason Cates is currently serving in his second year as Principal of Citrus Springs Middle School. A proud Citrus County native and graduate of Crystal River High School, Mr. Cates earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of South Florida and his Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of West Florida.

Outside of his school duties, Mr. Cates is deeply devoted to his family and community. He and his wife, Christina, also a Citrus County educator, are the proud parents of three children who attend or will attend Citrus County Schools.

With 15 years of dedicated experience, all with Citrus County Schools, Mr. Cates has served in diverse leadership and instructional roles, including Principal, Assistant Principal, Behavior Teacher on Special Assignment, Interventionist, Classroom Teacher, Physical Education Teacher, and Coach. Throughout his career, he has remained passionately focused on building a supportive school culture and empowering student growth through the Falcon4 core values: Responsible, Resilient, Confident, and Considerate. Mr. Cates is fully committed to partnering with families and staff to make Citrus Springs Middle School a place where every student thrives and where their future takes flight.