The first black interim superintendent in Manatee County schools was sworn in this afternoon.
The school board voted unanimously to give 51-year-old Dr. Diana Greene the top job after an outpouring of community support.
“I am just humbled, almost speechless and overwhelmed by the support I received," said Greene.
Greene has been in education for more than 30 years and began serving as deputy superintendent for instructional services in Manatee County about two years ago.
Residents say Greene has the experience and temperament for the job.
“I think she has demonstrated over the past two years that she is capable of doing the job and she offers a fresh start for the community,” said resident Dr. Willie Holley.
“She’s definitely a people’s person and so that’s what we need," said President of the Black Chamber of Commerce, Tarnisha Cliatt. "We need someone to bring the district together by being favorable to everyone.”
Greene is credited for helping lead academic initiatives that raised the letter grades for more than two dozen Manatee County schools.
“Over the last two years our schools have improved -- 24 went up a letter grade, 7 went up two letter grades,” Greene said.
The school board's giving Greene a one year contract to prove herself. It gives the district time to complete a climate survey to see if a national search for a new superintendent is necessary.
Greene said she's not worried about it.
"It’s up to me to show that I am the right person for Manatee County," Greene said. "That I am the superintendent that can move our school district forward. So, I’m not really worried about a one year deal. It’s what I’ve been doing for the past 20 years.”
Dr. Greene was sworn in on an interim basis as attorneys work on her one year contract. The school board’s expected to vote on that contract at their next meeting on June 9. Once the school board officially approves Greene’s contract, she'll be formally sworn in as the superintendent.
Greene’s replacing former superintendent Rick Mills who retired two years early.