ST. LUCIE COUNTY: Dr. Jonathan Prince will serve as St. Lucie Public Schools’ Deputy Superintendent. As a twenty-three year public education veteran, he brings with him vast teaching and leadership experiences including recognition as one of the state’s Turnaround Principals of the Year. Superintendent E. Wayne Gent, lauded Prince for his history of building cultures of academic excellence and achievement stating, “Among his many accomplishments as a leader, Dr. Prince has supported accelerated growth in writing, reading, and most importantly increased graduation rates for students.”
Superintendent Gent cited the rich talent among the current pool of District leaders as well and highlighted several principal appointments. Susan Seal, an experienced school principal will lead Treasure Coast High School Titans for the coming year, Eldrique Gardner will bring his expertise to the campus of St. Lucie West K-8, Ucola Barrett-Baxter will turn her focus to Village Green Elementary School, and John Lynch will bring his legacy of enhancing school performance to Fort Pierce Westwood High School as an Executive Director on Special Assignment. “We have the very best leadership team in place and will continue to build a strong culture of academic excellence as we focus our teaching and learning efforts on the standards deemed appropriate for students to be successful in their choices for college and the world of work,” added Gent.
With a clear vision for configuring a strong infrastructure, Gent is also aware of the imperative to reduce the number of senior level positions. Therefore, additional leadership shifts respect talent and honor a balanced organization. These shifts to support quality instruction while maximizing talent include Denise Rodriguez as Director of Leadership Development, Aretha Vernette as Director of School Renewal, Patty Galloway as Director of Recruitment and Retention, Dr. David Washington as Director of Family and Community Engagement, and Sunny Booker as Director of Alternative Education. “St. Lucie Public School leaders have insight and talents that will serve the community and the school system well. Through collaboration and continual growth, we will meet the expectations of an innovative, world-class education system,” concluded Gent.
About St. Lucie Public Schools
The mission of St. Lucie Public Schools is to ensure all students graduate from safe and caring schools equipped with the knowledge, skills and desire to succeed. For more information visit, www.stlucieschools.org or contact Kerry Padrick at kerry.padrick@stlucieschools.org.
