An interim superintendent has been selected by the Alachua County School Board.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) – The Alachua County School Board has reached an agreement on who will temporarily take over the role of Superintendent Shane Andrew later this month.

All five board members agreed that Dr. Kamela Patton should serve as interim superintendent while the nationwide search for a permanent position continues.

Patton previously served as Collier County superintendent. She was named Florida’s 2022 Superintendent of the Year, serving in school districts across the state through 2023. Patton was a finalist for the AASA National Superintendent of the Year.

“It took me a few hours to look at everything that had happened to the students, the community and the families in the area,” said Vice Chair Lynetta McNeely.

Board member Sarah Rockwell said she was impressed by Patton’s experience with larger budgets, and Kay Abbitt commented on her commitment to getting the district in order.

“She feels like she can put a lot of procedures in place so that when the new superintendent comes in, it might be an easier transition,” Abbitt said.

During public comment, some expressed concern that new board member Thomas Wu would not be included in the discussions. Council members assured them that Patton had no interest in filling the seat permanently.

“She’s ready to come, given everything she knows about Alachua County, she’s ready to come,” Chairwoman Dionne McGraw said.

Board members voted unanimously to begin negotiations with Patton, possibly discussing the proposed contract at the board’s next meeting this week.

“I have the distinct impression that her role here will be one that we desperately need at this particular moment,” Tina Curtin said.

Last month the school board agreed fire Andrew after submitting your scores. His last day is November 15th.

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