ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – The St. Johns County School Board is nearing the selection of its next superintendent. During a special board meeting, board members selected 10 semifinalists for the position as the current superintendent, Tim Forson, will retire at the end of June after nine years in the role.
The candidates include:
- Corey Wright
- Scott Schneider
- Jessica Richardson
- Dr. Brennan Asplen
- Dr. Marianne Simon
- Dr. Kyle Dresback
- Sherri Forrest
- Dr. Randy Mahlerwin
- Luis Solano
- Dr. Patrick Carmichael
Many of the candidates are currently employed in Florida, with several working for Duval County Schools or St. Johns County Schools. Board members reviewed a pool of 26 candidates, each selecting their preferred candidates before collectively deciding on the semifinalists. Board Chair Anthony Coleman explained the thoroughness of the process.
“We had ample time to go thoroughly, over and over each applicant,” Coleman said. “Each applicant was highly experienced in multiple and diverse areas, in areas that we were looking for, St. Johns County School District.”
The candidates bring a range of experience to the table.
Corey Wright serves as the chief of accountability, research, and strategy at Duval County Schools. Scott Schneider holds the position of chief of schools in the same district.
Jessica Richardson is the senior director of exceptional student education for St. Johns County Schools, while Dr. Brennan Asplen also works for the district as the deputy superintendent of operations.
Dr. Marianne Simon is the regional superintendent for Duval County Schools, and Dr. Kyle Dresback serves as the regional superintendent for secondary and alternative schools with St. Johns County.
Sherri Forrest is the chief academic officer and executive director to the superintendent at Atlanta Public Schools.
Dr. Randy Mahlerwin is the assistant superintendent for secondary at Mesa Public Schools in Arizona.
Luis Solano is the deputy superintendent for Detroit Public Schools Community District, and Dr. Patrick Carmichael is a visiting professor at the University of North Florida.
The Florida School Boards Association is leading the search for the new superintendent. CEO Andrea Messina shared that semifinalists will receive five questions from board members, including two written responses and three video responses. Candidates must submit their answers by April 18 at 5 p.m.
“Once we receive all of those, we’ll forward those responses to the board,” Messina said. “They’ll also be posting them on their website portal so the community can see all of those responses. There’ll be a QR code where the community can then provide feedback based on what they’ve decided based on viewing those responses and reading those responses.”
The school board aims to select a candidate who can elevate the district’s success. Coleman wants the district to maintain its high standards.
“St. Johns County has been an A district for a while, and we want to keep that process going,” Coleman said. “We are the fastest-growing county, so we have kids coming in. We want our kids to be prepared when they leave out the doors.”
On April 25, the school board will identify the finalists, and by May 20, they’ll select a new superintendent with a start date on or before July 1.
For more information on the semifinalists and the selection timeline, visit the St. Johns County School District website.
