Sarasota County Schools Hires Equity Director; Kingsley Retires

SARASOTA COUNTY, FL — There are several district-level leadership changes in the works at Sarasota County Schools, according to a message sent out by Dr. Brennan Asplen, superintendent.

Dr. Harriet Moore has been named the district’s first-ever director of innovation and equity. In her new role, which starts March 1, she’ll implement cultural responsibility and training throughout the district, and chair the District Equity Committee. She’ll also guide innovative approaches to different instructional delivery models – including virtual, blended and face-to-face learning – for students.

Moore, currently principal at McIntosh Middle School, “has led her school community to soaring heights since 2012,” Asplen said. “Dr. Moore is a product of Sarasota County Schools and deeply cares about the inclusion, success and safety of all children. Dr. Moore brings vast experience to her new role and I am confident she will enable our district to achieve great progress and success.”

Another major change for the district is the retirement of Dr. Laura Kingsley, assistant superintendent and chief academic officer, in June at the end of the school year.

She launched her career with the district in 1986 when she was hired as a teacher at Booker Elementary School for High Expectations, the Observer reported. She served as assistant principal after the school became Emma E. Booker Elementary and Laurel Nokomis. She went on to become principal at Fruitville Elementary before being appointed as assistant superintendent.

“I would be remiss if I did not mention the undeniable and tangible impact she has had on our school communities and school district throughout the duration of her 35-year career,” Asplen said. “Dr. Kingsley is a staunch, compassionate advocate for the needs of children and teachers, and she will be dearly missed.”

Chris Renouf, the district’s current executive director of elementary schools, will take over her role starting July 1.

“Our elementary schools have achieved (and) exceeded many goals under his leadership, and I know Mr. Renouf will whole-heartedly extend his talents to further uplift all our schools, teachers, and students,” Asplen said.

Prior to this, Renouf was principal at Ashton Elementary and Toledo Blade Elementary schools from 1998 to 2017. Both schools were recognized with honors under his leadership.

North Port High School’s principal, Brandon Johnson, will become the district’s executive director of elementary schools. Prior to North Port, he served as the principal of Lamarque Elementary School, the assistant principal at Brentwood Elementary School, an assistant principal intern at Bay Haven School of Basics Plus and an interim assistant principal at Emma E. Booker Elementary School, among other roles.