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Marion County superintendent to leave July 11; board schedules work session to plan search
Summary
Superintendent Diane Gullit announced her resignation effective July 11. The Marion County School Board agreed to schedule a work session to begin planning the superintendent search and to withdraw an outdated evaluation agenda item.
Superintendent Diane Gullit told the Marion County School Board on March 11 that she submitted a letter of resignation, effective July 11, 2025, and thanked staff and the community for five years of service.
The announcement prompted board members to begin planning a search for her successor. Board Chair Lori Conrad said she is meeting with staff and the board attorney to produce options for the board to consider. At the meeting the board reached consensus to schedule a work session on the morning of the 24th at 9 a.m. to begin discussing search procedures and timeline; the item on the published agenda about a superintendent evaluation tool will be shown as withdrawn because it is no longer applicable.
Board members discussed whether to invite an external consultant. Board member Lisonbee Campbell recommended that Andrea Messina of the Florida School Boards Association attend to describe best practices and timelines; Nancy Thrower was recommended as a potential board lead on the search if she agrees. Attorney Jeremy Powers advised the board on the limits for changing published agendas and how a withdrawn item will appear on meeting materials.
Board members emphasized conducting the process collectively and transparently. Several members said they wanted time for the chair and attorney to prepare options before a detailed public discussion. Reverend Eric Cummings and Dr. Sarah James urged the board to proceed together and to avoid unilateral actions. Chair Conrad said she intends to present options at the board’s regular meeting this week and return to the work session for detailed direction.
The board did not take a formal vote to hire a search firm at the March 11 meeting. Chair Conrad said staff will post meeting notices and materials needed for the work session.
Ending: The board’s next regular meeting is March 25; the scheduled work session on the morning of the 24th is intended to be a step toward establishing the process and timeline for filling the superintendent role.
