School board approves new communications manager job description over lone dissent; member warns of outsourcing and cost uncertainty

The Pinellas County School Board approved agenda item 7.3 on Sept. 9 by a vote of 5–1 to create and revise job descriptions in the communications department, including a new manager position.

Board discussion focused on whether adding a manager to supervise a single direct report would save money or improve the district’s marketing capacity. Board member Edmond said she consulted marketing and education professionals and, after a workshop and follow-up, concluded that adding an additional manager “to supervise 1 person and share responsibilities is not a solution to a marketing challenge,” and she announced she would vote no. Edmond said whether the change increases or decreases costs depends on whether the position is filled internally or externally. Other board members argued the change reflects a redistribution of duties after previous reductions and said the director of communications currently carries a significant workload.

The motion to approve the job-description changes was made and seconded; the board approved the item 5–1. Board members who spoke in favor noted prior reductions to other district roles and said they expect a return on investment from stronger communications and marketing work.

Votes and next steps: the approved action directs human resources to implement the job description changes. The board’s vote record shows one dissent (Edmond), five votes in favor and no abstentions. The change will be handled through the district’s normal human resources and classification processes.