ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – The next leader of the St. Johns County School District will be a familiar face.
The School Board voted unanimously Tuesday morning to hire Dr. Brennan Asplen, who is currently the Deputy Superintendent of Operations for St. Johns County Schools.
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Asplen previously served as the superintendent of Sarasota County Schools from 2020 to 2023.
Asplen was one of four finalists for the superintendent position, and despite his connection with the district, School Board member Jennifer Collins emphasized that the decision was not a foregone conclusion.
“Each of these candidates I could fully support, I could be behind,” Collins said. “This has been a thorough process, and we are trying to choose somebody who can do a great job. I do believe all the candidates would have. But I believe Dr. Asplen has the heart of the children in mind and will do a good job for them.”
Last week, the board held a special meeting to interview all four finalists for the superintendent position. And that evening, the candidates met with parents, students, and staff at a public meet-and-greet at First Coast Technical College.
In his video clip during the search process, Asplen highlighted the importance of open communication.
“I welcome critical conversations, ideas, suggestions, and questions at each level mentioned,” Asplen said. “Effectively educating our students is a collaborative effort, and open communication is where it begins.”
Asplen told News4JAX during last week’s meet-and-greet with the community that if he got the job, he planned to focus on growth, budget and technology.
“What we want to do is look forward to how we can go to the next level. You know, we’re doing really well. Where are the gaps? Where are the things that we need to look at, to really to work on, so that we can move it to the next level and be the best in the state, best in the nation,” Asplen said.
