Superintendent recommends senior leadership additions: deputy and two appointments introduced for board approval

Superintendent John Lake and district staff told the board they are beginning to fill senior leadership positions for the new year.

Lake announced the recommendation in the board packet to appoint Dr. Monica Iles as deputy superintendent of instruction and curriculum. He described the appointment as part of building the district’s senior leadership team.

District staff introduced two additional recommended appointments pending board approval. The staff presentation recommended promotion of Dr. Tony Zetsche to chief communications and community engagement officer; staff described her background as beginning a teaching career in 2001, joining Pasco County Schools in 2006 and serving as classroom teacher, reading intervention coach, behavior specialist, assistant principal and principal. The role would oversee communications, community engagement, after‑school enrichment and work closely with the Pasco Education Foundation, according to the staff presentation.

The board packet also included a recommendation to appoint Dr. Shauna Rafalski as assistant superintendent for Opportunity Schools. Staff said Rafalski currently serves as assistant director of the Lassinger Center at the University of Florida, has led statewide after‑school program implementation, and has prior turnaround and leadership experience in Pinellas, Osceola and Clark County (Nevada) school systems.

Board members and staff welcomed the candidates; both staff introductions included requests for those present to stand in support. The recommendations were presented for board consideration; the transcript records introductions and recommendations, but does not record a final board vote on these specific appointments during the portion of the meeting covered in the record.