District fast-tracks search for principal

MANATEE COUNTY — Manatee County Public Schools officials are wasting no time to install a new principal at Lakewood Ranch High School.

Angela Essig, director of secondary schools for the district, said the district hopes to have a new principal in place by July 14.

“When principals return from their vacations on July 13, (we hope to) have the new principal named and presented to the school board that evening,” Essig said.

At the latest, the new principal will be confirmed by July 27, she said.

Principal Mike Wilder will continue working at the school through June 25, just days before principals normally would leave to go on their summer vacations. Wilder will begin his new role as the district’s coordinator of school leadership and development, a post currently held by Dr. Lyn Boyer, after principal vacations conclude.

Essig said the administrative team at Lakewood Ranch already will have items, such as the master schedule, in place before the new principal assumes the post. Wilder will assist the new principal with the transition, and Lakewood’s new leader will have until Aug. 17 to prepare for the arrival of teachers, who report Aug. 18.

The district posted the principal position for Lakewood on its Web site on June 11, and applications are due by the end of the day June 24.

Interviews with select candidates will be held June 29, and a community forum with three finalists will be held at 6:30 p.m., June 30, at the school, Essig said.

Superintendent Tim McGonegal and Lynette Edwards, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, are expected to interview the finalists during the week of July 6 and will use feedback from the forum and previous interviews in determining their top choice for the job.

Essig said Lakewood Ranch’s scenario is not too unusual and that the district is thankful to be replacing principals over the summer rather than mid-year.

The position at Lakewood Ranch will be the eighth principal position the district has filled over the last three months. Three other East County schools, including McNeal, Bashaw and Freedom elementary schools, will have new principals next year.

Contact Pam McTeer at [email protected].