ALACHUA COUNTY, FL (352today.com)—The Alachua County School Board (ACSB) has been on a long, winding road since the mixed decision to fire Superintendent Shane Andrew on Oct. 15.
The animosity within the board has been noticeable, and Andrew’s departure was met with mixed reviews from the board and the public. Before Monday night’s meeting, the search for a new Alachua County Public School (ACPS) superintendent has culminated in more answers than questions: Should the board look for a permanent replacement instead of an interim? Should Deputy Superintendent Cathy Atria hold an acting role while a search is conducted? What about Shane Andrew continuing at the helm until a choice is made?
Exactly three weeks after Shane Andrew’s contract was terminated on Monday, with his superintendent label still attached to the board, the seat remained vacant. Andrew’s contract as superintendent runs out Nov. 15, placing added pressure on the board to find a replacement.
The ACSB unanimously decided on Monday night to fill the absent seat, turning to former Collier County Superintendent Dr. Kamela Patton as an interim replacement.
Nov. 4 Special Meeting
The meeting began with board members presenting their nominations. Board Member Leanetta McNealy stated that she originally had two names, but one withdrew after talking with her “in length” about the position. Her second name was Dr. Kamela Patton from Collier County.
“I was very impressed with (Patton’s) work in the past 12 years. When I read her resume, I was impressed with how many things she accomplished in that county. I feel that she would be able to carry on the priorities and ideas in this district,” said McNealy. “I truly think, after speaking with her, that she would be a good fit for us and will handle the work that needs to be done until the search is complete.”
Board Member Kay Abbitt echoed McNealy’s suggestion.
“[Patton] can get a lot of procedures in place so that when the new superintendent comes in, it will be an easier transition. She is a go-getter,” said Abbitt.
Board Members Sarah Rockwell and Tina Certain showed optimism about acquiring Patton.
“She is the first person that came to my mind after the vote was taken a couple of weeks ago,” said Certain regarding the termination of Superintendent Andrew. “I said in that meeting that we need someone who can do this job and not have to learn on the job.”
Chair Diyonne McGraw wrapped up the unanimous nomination of Patton.
“I, too, recommend Dr. Patton. I was really impressed with [Patton] being well-known all throughout the state. She would also work with the community,” said McGraw.
Audience members then took the stand, pleased to see the board agreeing on the superintendent nomination.
“It must be an election-eve miracle that all of you have agreed,” said Alachua County parent Peggy Vermont regarding the board’s decision to nominate Dr. Patton. “This is the board that people like myself voted in all those years ago.”
Fellow audience member Amy Trask echoed this sentiment
“I am very happy to see the board come together on a decision on how we’re going to move forward with a nomination,” said Trask.
The conversation then turned back to the board. Board Members Certain and Rockwell remained fearful of the board rushing the decision of who would become superintendent.
“I don’t think we need to rush a decision that is this big, and I would certainly want to make sure the community has adequate time to give input,” said Rockwell.
Chair McGraw said she understands what the board members are saying but insists that Patton should take the position as soon as possible.
“Dr. Patton is very experienced and nationally known and will help us tremendously,” said McGraw, who worries about the “anxiety” growing amongst district staff and teachers regarding the superintendent vacancy.
New interim superintendent
Dr. Kamela Patton enjoyed a very successful 12-year career as a superintendent in Collier County. In 2022, she was selected as the state’s Superintendent of the Year for her achievements.
Before her term at Collier County, she started as a teacher in Miami-Dade County, where she worked her way up to the role of assistant superintendent.
According to McGraw, Patton has made it clear that she “strictly” wishes to be an interim superintendent while a national search for a permanent replacement takes place.
The board will dedicate time during their upcoming Nov. 6 general meeting for board discussions and further community input regarding the new interim superintendent.