Osceola board approves retirements, resignations and a slate of administrative appointments

The Osceola School District board approved a series of personnel actions June 23 that included multiple resignations, one retirement and the appointment of a broad slate of school leaders and district coordinators.

Superintendent Dr. Shanov announced several resignations and reported the retirement of Lester Yates, the district’s director of safety, security and emergency management. The board moved and approved the resignations and then approved the retirement following motions and seconds from board members (recorded votes were taken and motions passed).

The board then considered and approved appointments across schools and central office. Appointments approved included Damen Rosado as principal of Bella Lago Academy; Geette Paul Zinn as principal of Gateway High School; Tracy Merritt as principal of Harmony Community School; Matthew Pelk as assistant principal at Den John Middle School; Tyion Downing as director of safety, security and emergency management; Marilyn Rivera and Sarah Harper as assistant principals at Horizon Middle and Island Village Elementary, respectively; Jennifer Torres as assistant principal at Nova Lakes High School; Dr. Kareema Azir as assistant principal at the Professional and Technical High School; Dr. Karen Vislaki as assistant principal at Gateway High School; Summers of AIOS as coordinator of college and career counseling; and Kelsey Berg as coordinator of mathematics. Several other internal transfers were announced and did not require a vote at this meeting.

Many appointees addressed the board after their approvals. Tyion Downing, who will succeed Lester Yates, said safety will remain his “highest priority” and described previous service in the Marine Corps, Arizona Highway Patrol and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Walt Disney World representatives and other community partners previously described workforce and partnership programs that connect students to career pathways, and several appointees acknowledged mentors, family and district staff who supported them.

Board votes on appointments were taken by motion and second and passed without recorded opposition. The board recessed briefly for the rulemaking public hearing earlier in the meeting and returned to approve routine agenda items before adjourning.

Votes at a glance

- Resignations (multiple): motion passed (motion by Miss Garcia; second by Miss Castillo). - Retirement of Lester Yates (director of safety): motion passed (motion by Miss Castillo; second by Miss Garcia). - Appointments (selected): Damen Rosado (Bella Lago Academy) — motion passed; Geette Paul Zinn (Gateway High School) — motion passed; Tyion Downing (director of safety) — motion passed; Kelsey Berg (coordinator of mathematics) — motion passed. All appointment motions carried.

The superintendent said staff will work with new appointees on transition timelines and report back on any outstanding operational details.