PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — The Pinellas County School Board unanimously chose Kevin Hendrick as the next superintendent of the school district. The board held a special meeting Tuesday to make the decision.
“The teachers, the support staff and everyone else, the community believes in our own, and Mr. Hendrick definitely has a clear vision,” Chairperson of the Pinellas County School Board Eileen Long said.
Hendrick was one of three finalists up for consideration to replace retiring Superintendent Michael Grego.
The school board officially started the search in January holding workshops, online surveys, focus groups and meetings with staff, students and even community members, to get to the three finalists. Ann Hembrook, Kevin Hendrick and Michael Ramirez all have diverse backgrounds in education and leadership. Of the three finalists, Hendrick was the only one from inside the district.
“I’ve lived in Pinellas County for over 35 years," Hendrick said. "I grew up here, went to school here, and have worked here, and to have so many people in your corner has been a real joy.”
Hendrick is currently an associate superintendent of teaching and learning in the Pinellas County School District. He has 24 years of educational experience and has been with Pinellas County schools throughout most of his career. He says his first priority as superintendent is to make meaningful connections in the community.
"Really going out and visiting as many schools, as many stakeholders, community groups," he added. "Whether they’ve been heavily involved with our district or not in the past, I’m going to be doing a lot of that.”
Hembrook is currently an area superintendent in Marion County. Throughout her career, she's been a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal and director of professional development.
Michael Ramirez is currently the deputy superintendent of Denver Public Schools holding that position since 2019. He has 27 years of experience in education, including 16 years in Broward County schools in Florida.
Contract negotiations are expected to begin soon following Hendrick's selection.