The Pinellas County School Board on May 27 approved the superintendent’s personnel recommendations — including the reassignment of Madera Beach Fundamental principal Chris Atiq and the appointment of Melissa Athison to the school — after multiple parents urged the board to keep Atiq in place.

Parents, teachers and board members said the timing and communication of the personnel changes have unsettled families at Madera Beach, which suffered major disruption this year after two hurricanes. At a special called meeting, a series of public commenters described Atiq’s leadership during the recovery and asked the board to reconsider.

“My name is William Beers, and I’m here today not just as a parent of two Madera students… You don’t bench your star quarterback during the playoffs,” said William Beers, a parent and community member, urging the board to retain Chris Atiq. Reagan Miller, another parent, told the board, “The stability that Mr. Atiq provides is not optional,” citing students’ recovery from displacement.

Superintendent Kevin Hendrick and district staff briefed the board on the decision-making process. District counsel Mr. Koperski told the board that Florida law gives the superintendent authority to make personnel recommendations and that the board may reject a recommendation only for "good cause," meaning the recommended person is not qualified for the position. Hendrick said the individuals recommended for appointment had been vetted by human resources and met minimum qualifications.

Board members acknowledged parents’ concerns while expressing trust in the superintendent’s professional judgment. Several members urged improved communication about leadership transitions so families are not surprised by late notices. Board member comments described principals as the “captains” of their schools and emphasized both the emotional impact on communities and the operational reasons the district moves leaders between schools.

After discussion, the board approved the personnel item (agenda item 5.2) on a 7-0 vote. The board also approved the consent agenda earlier in the meeting (including item 5.3) and accepted an amendment to pull agenda item 5.4 (the apprenticeship training agreement with Livingston Academy) for the June 10 meeting.

Board members and district staff also recommended the district develop clearer procedures and timelines for principal transitions and communications, including whether and how to notify staff and families and what information can be shared publicly when personnel actions are taken.

The vote on item 5.2 was recorded as passing 7-0; the board did not identify other formal objections on the record. The district said the personnel changes are intended to place leaders where the superintendent believes they will best serve students and staff and that principals will have opportunities to communicate with their school communities during the transition.

The board adjourned after routine administrative business and a short discussion of committee appointments and training dates.