HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. -- There is a new interim superintendent in Hernando County. This comes after school board members voted to fire Lori Romano at a meeting two weeks ago.
- John Stratton takes over as interim superintendent
- He replaces Lori Romano, who was terminated by board
- Stratton has been in education for 25 years
The Hernando County School Board has chosen John Stratton to take over superintendent duties for the district. Stratton was most recently the executive director of business services for the district.
He has been in education for 25 years, the last 14 in Hernando County.
"I started out as an ESE Teacher years ago and worked my way up as a staffing specialist behavior specialist, and then into administration,” Stratton said.
Romano's termination letter released this week noted Romano's decision to remove all teachers at Moton Elementary school in April played a key role in the board's decision.
The letter reads, "(Romano) provided Board Members untimely, incomplete, and/or inaccurate information regarding the details of (Romano's) actions. (Romano's) action plan for MES was inappropriately (if not, incompetently) timed and executed and was disruptive to students, parents, and School Board Employees."
She was terminated June 12.
Stratton stressed the same won't occur under his leadership.
“With selecting a member of cabinet, we'll have the continuity moving forward. We'll have open transparency and communication, I don’t foresee an issue," Stratton explained.
Romano sent a statement to Spectrum Bay News 9 that said, "I am grateful for the dedication and professionalism of the Hernando County School staff. They have taught, coached, managed, implemented and advocated to ensure our students and families receive the very best we have to give and I know they will continue to do so. That character is exactly what defines a world class school district of which I am honored to have been a part."
Stratton's contract goes until June 30 of next year. The school board is actively searching for a permanent replacement, though, and Stratton said that person came come in and take over before his contract is up.