Danielle Brewer chosen as interim superintendent for Marion County Public Schools
Danielle Brewer, the consensus choice to become the interim superintendent for Marion County Public Schools, was hired on April 29 in a 5-0 school board vote.
Chair Lori Conrad, Vice Chair Rev. Eric Cummings, and members Allison Campbell, Sarah James and Nancy Thrower hired Brewer and approved her contract, which calls for an annual salary of $169,333. When the job was advertised, the salary range was listed $125,897 to $169,333.
"I'm excited to lead Marion County Public Schools through the transition," Brewer told a Star-Banner reporter after the school board's special meeting, where her hiring was the only agenda item.
Agreement
According to the agreement between both parties, her start date is immediate and continues "through and until a successor superintendent has taken office or April 29, 2026, whichever occurs first."
If there isn't a full-time superintendent by April 29, 2026, then the "contract may be extended by mutual agreement at the same terms and conditions."
However, if the board picks someone before April 29, 2026, "the interim superintendent will resume a transitional role to assist the new superintendent for a period of not to exceed 45 days from the date of the new superintendent's appointment, and the new superintendent will immediately control the operations of Marion County Public Schools."
In the meantime, although Brewer is interim superintendent, she will partner with Diane Gullett, the outgoing superintendent, through a transition period until July 11.
According to the agreement, Brewer will be authorized to recommend to the school board her nominees to fill open positions.
Brewer is not prohibited from applying for the full-time superintendent's job. She currently is senior executive director of high schools and secondary curriculum for Marion County Public Schools.
During the meeting, a number of people voiced their opinions about Brewer and the selection process.
School officials who addressed the board praised Brewer and the job she has done for the district. Those same officials said Brewer has the students' best interests in mind and wants schools, parents and everyone involved to succeed.
As for the process, those who spoke told board members not to rush into anything. They told the board while a nationwide search may bring an ideal candidate for the full-time superintendent, they should recognize that they have a hidden gem among them.
Board members said they would vote for Brewer and wished her the best in her new role. They have no doubt that Brewer and Gullett will work great together as a team. Members thanked Gullett for doing a good job and for her five years of service to the community.
James remined the board that the city of Ocala picked Pete Lee as its interim city manager after parting ways with a former city manager. She said it worked out well for the city, which eventually lifted the interim label and gave Lee the job full time.
As for a nationwide search, members appear open to the possibility.
How did we get here?
Brewer was selected from a pool of seven candidates. In March, Gullett, the first appointed superintendent for Marion County, said she was leaving the district on July 11.
Gullett is expected to join the Bailey Education Group, which is based in Ridgeland, Mississippi, as the chief academic officer, but she will remain in Marion County.
Candidates had until April 10 to submit their applications for the interim job. All five board members had an opportunity to interview the seven from April 11 through April 17.
Board members agreed to Brewer's elevation at their April 17 meeting. In the discussion, Melissa A. Kinard came second and Robert "Craig" Ham and Donna Cress finished in a tie for third.
Four of the seven candidates — Brewer, Kinard, Ham and Cress — are local.
A veteran in the school system, Brewer has served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and director of curriculum before becoming senior executive director of high schools and secondary curriculum.
Dr. Brewer will serve as Interim Superintendent for the Marion County School District. The period of April 29, 2025 to July 11, 2025, will be a "Transition Period." Dr. Diane V. Gullett will remain in control of the operations of Marion County Public Schools during the transition period through July 11, 2025. During the Transition Period, the Interim Superintendent shall devote her full time and best efforts to studying the conditions of and matters pertinent to the District and shall develop plans for continued operations and improvement thereof. Dr. Brewer shall have the authority to recommend (through Dr. Gullett) to the Board her nominees to fill open positions of employment in the District. As of July 11, 2025, Dr. Brewer shall become Interim Superintendent of Schools with all lawful authority as provided in Article IX of the Florida Constitution and by law.