Hernando School District Superintendent John Stratton announced on March 30th that he has applied for the Brevard County School Superintendent position. At the time Stratton applied, there were 33 candidates for the position. As of April 4, 2023, the field has been narrowed to 11 semi-finalists, including Stratton.
Stratton emphasized that he does not intend to resign from his current position unless selected. “I truly love serving the students, staff, and community here in Hernando County, where I have spent the past 18 of my 30 years in public education,” Stratton said. “After discussing it with my family, I decided to apply in Brevard County as a professional growth opportunity.”
During Stratton’s tenure in Hernando County, he has served as a teacher, behavior specialist, school principal, and district administrator before becoming appointed School Superintendent in 2018.
Stratton’s application for the new post comes at a time when the current local board seems somewhat divided by political differences. Additionally, a local bill was recently filed by Florida District 35 State Representative Jeff Holcomb (R- Spring Hill) that would require a referendum on requiring the Hernando County School Superintendent to be elected rather than appointed. However, even if passed, that bill would not affect Stratton’s position until 2028.
Stratton said in his recent announcement, “The Brevard position serves as a logical progression of my career, similar to someone working in the private sector looking very seriously at opportunities to grow and tackle a new challenge.” He added, “This move has nothing to do with politics, discontentment, policy decisions, or the current school board, and I will faithfully do my duties here as the Brevard school board makes its decision.”
Regarding the Brevard County position, Brevard Board Chair Matt Susin said he’s not just looking for candidates with a background serving as superintendent but for those he believes will help kids from low socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as candidates who will prioritize preparing students for the workforce and competing against private and charter schools. The Brevard School Board expects to identify position finalists near the end of April and select a new Superintendent by May 2nd.
