School Superintendent Pace announces retirement in June 2023

  • Longtime Osceola County educator and administrator and School District superintendent Debra Pace announced Tuesday she is retiring effective June 30, 2023.
    Longtime Osceola County educator and administrator and School District superintendent Debra Pace announced Tuesday she is retiring effective June 30, 2023.

The Osceola County School District announced via social media Tuesday that Dr. Debra Pace, a longtime Osceola County educator and the school district’s superintendent since 2016, plans to retire next year, on June 30, 2023.

A lifelong Osceola resident as a member of one of the county’s legacy ranching families, Pace started her career as a teacher in Osceola schools, eventually becoming principal at Poinciana High School. She became the second principal at Harmony High in 2006, but her next move was into district administration, as a deputy superintendent.

After moving into a similar role with the Brevard County school system in 2011, she returned five years later to her home county to succeed Melba Luciano as Osceola’s superintendent.

Pace sent district staff an email midday Tuesday with the announcement.

"It has been a tremendous honor, privilege, and blessing to have served the School District of Osceola County as Superintendent since 2016. I am so grateful for the amazing commitment and dedication you bring every day, despite the many challenges we continue to face," the email read, in part. "I remain committed to working hard for the children and families of Osceola County every day, and I will work with the School Board to ensure we have a smooth transition for new leadership in our school district over the next seven months. I promise you, I will work as hard on my last day as I did on my first day."

“Her favorite part about being superintendent is visiting the schools where she is able to witness the joy and amazement on students' faces as they succeed in the classroom,” the School District said Tuesday. “Dr. Pace remains committed to working hard for the children and families of Osceola County every day, and is working alongside the School Board to ensure a smooth transition for the next leader of our school district. Thank you, Dr. Pace for inspiring students and educators in Osceola County for more than 30 years.”

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