District attorney announces Sept. 1 departure
Tuesday’s Osceola County School Board meeting had a different tone, as new leadership entered, old leadership departed and some current leadership made plans for an exit.
New schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Shanoff was sworn in and had his contract approved by the Board.
“This process was a leap of faith for every candidate, because we believe in the work we do in public education,” he said. “To partner and be selected by this board that is so dedicated to the success of its students, teachers and staff is a blessing to me and my family. I am grateful for your trust and belief, and I know together we can do great things.”
Board member Jon Arguello, who had been an outspoken critic of outgoing superintendent Debra Pace, said the changing of leadership could be “a reset button” for a board that’s been in a contentious period.
“I look forward to a whole new phase,” he said. “Dr. Shanoff can take us to a new place that achieves transparency and accountability.”
Shanoff had done homework on agenda items in order to hit the ground running. As of the end of the month, Pace officially retires, as do upper administrative members Tom Phelps (deputy superintendent of human resources) and Tammy Cope-Otterson (chief of human relations), who were not at the meeting; retiring Chief of Staff of Teaching, Leading and Learning Scott Flowers took in his final meeting. Shanoff announced Flowers’ replacement would be Dr. Rene Clayton in the role of Deputy Superintendent for Teaching, Leading and Learning .
“This is humbling. If you know me, you know that if we’re doing good things for kids, it’s my jam, my passion, what I do,” Clayton said. “If you’re in this role, you still love learning. There is no greater influence on this community.”
Dr. Michael Allen, formerly the assistant superintendent for middle school curriculum — and one of the four finalists for the superintendent job — will become the Chief of Staff for Human Resources and Student Services, filling the role of Phelps and Cope-Otterson.
“Thank you, Dr. Shanoff, for believing in me, and I’m looking forward to working with you,” Allen told the Board. “I’m really excited about the future of Osceola County’s schools.”
During discussion about a plan Shanoff had to bring School Board Attorney Frank Kruppenbacher in house as a district employee — which was met with mixed reviews, about 20 minutes of discussion and a motion to table the request — Kruppenbacher announced he’d be leaving the district effective Sept. 1.
“You have two months to find whoever you want,” he said. “I’ll make sure everything stays in place and coordinate.”
