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Superintendent presents seven recommended administrative hires; board to consider approvals later
Summary
Superintendent Michael Maine presented recommendations for seven administrative appointments, including principals for Bessie Creek and Port Salerno elementary schools and leaders for specialty programs; the board heard the recommendations but did not take recorded votes on the hires during the June 17 meeting.
Superintendent Michael Maine presented a slate of administrative recommendations to the Martin County School Board on June 17, naming principals and district leaders that he said the district would submit for board approval.
Maine named Elizabeth Atkinson as principal of Bessie Creek Elementary School and David Schafer as principal of Port Salerno Elementary School. He also recommended Mercedes Thurston to lead Spectrum Academy, Stephanie DeVoe as assistant principal of Hope Sound Elementary, Deborah Riley as Director of Student Services, and Angela Gilbride as principal for pre‑K programs. Maine described each candidate’s experience and credentials as part of the announcements but did not record a formal board vote on these recommendations during the meeting.
“Elizabeth Atkinson brings more than 18 years of experience,” Maine said while introducing candidates. He outlined qualifications for each appointee, noting degrees, prior roles, and endorsements where relevant. For example, he said David Schafer helped raise a school’s grade from a D to a B while serving as assistant principal and that Deborah Riley has 29 years in public education with multiple leadership roles.
Board members acknowledged the announcements and recognized the presence of some recommended leaders and their families in the audience. The superintendent said the district appreciated the managers and principals who accepted the recommended roles and that official board action would follow the district’s normal approval process. The transcript does not record subsequent approval votes for these specific recommendations on June 17.
The announcements included brief remarks recognizing each recommended administrator’s qualifications and past service. The district will present any required personnel motions and documentation at a future meeting or as part of the board’s consent agenda for formal action.
