Gulf High School principal leaving position

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NEW PORT RICHEY — Tom Imerson is out as Gulf High School's principal, the first of what looks to be a series of administrative changes to come over the summer in Pasco County schools.

"We're looking at multiple areas," assistant superintendent Jim Davis said. "It's more about looking at how we do our business. Is there a way we can be more efficient and effective while utilizing different peoples' skills in different ways?"

Imerson, who has been at Gulf High for 15 years, including six as principal, is headed to the district office for a job that Davis would not describe.

"I don't want to get into specifics because there hasn't been all decisions made," Davis said. "Obviously, it entails other people. … Like anything else, when you make a move, another move follows. Those decisions are still down the road."

Rumors of Imerson's departure from Gulf High have swirled since the district went on spring break in early April. Along with that talk came the speculation that Bayonet Point Middle principal Steve Knobl would slide into Imerson's job at Gulf.

Asked about the buzz at the time, superintendent Heather Fiorentino would only say that Imerson was Gulf's principal as of that day. She would not comment about what might happen into the summer and beyond.

When the board approved administrative reappointments in late April, Imerson's name appeared in the slot for Gulf High principal. No other moves were evident in that document, either.

Gulf High's student newspaper first revealed the news that change is in the air, reporting that Imerson told his school advisory council of his pending departure to a district-level job. Davis said the announcement was somewhat premature, as the reorganization plan is not complete and the School Board has yet to approve any moves.

Board members said they knew nothing of a proposal to revamp the district administration.

"Unless it impacts the budget, the board has no say," said veteran member Marge Whaley. "That's not my job."

She acknowledged that Pasco schools have an administration that runs on one of the lowest costs per student of any district in Florida. But that doesn't mean that reorganization isn't needed, she added, saying, "That's one of the things I respect the

superintendent can do."

Board member Allen Altman said he didn't necessarily mind the superintendent's move to revamp the district staff. He wanted to hear more details about how the changes might save money as the district seeks to streamline its budget by as much as $30-million, though.

Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey also has a meeting scheduled for Monday to discuss the budget with Fiorentino, at which she expects to learn more details. One of the things Starkey said she would be looking for is how any reorganization would affect student performance.

Imerson is scheduled to remain principal through the school's June 6 graduation.

Jeffrey S. Solochek can be reached at solochek@sptimes.com or (813) 909-4614. For more education news, visit the Gradebook at blogs.tampabay.com/schools.

Comments on this article

by Molly	May 8, 2008 5:37 PM
Becoming an International Baccalaureate school requires intelligence, insight, and devotion to children and the desire to better a school community. Leadership obtained the IB crown of Academia. Remember to seriously thank those who did the job!

by Lynn	May 6, 2008 9:01 AM
I am confused by the logic coming from district - is Gulf going to run without a principal next year? That's the only way this move saves money. Why not report what is really going on instead of the whitewash from Fiorentino and Davis?

by Bleeding Green & White	May 6, 2008 9:00 AM
GHS really needed to see Imerson's departure. Under his leadership, GHS has suffered. Mrs. Fiorentino has ignored the school and the continuous harassment the teachers have endured over the last two years. Imerson is a P.R. nightmare.

by GHS Supporter	May 5, 2008 5:18 PM
It is about time! Imerson's ego trip has cost: Several good teachers careers being ruined by his lies; School ranking and standing in the educational community (IB school with a D rating what a joke); School spirit, clubs and

by firedandmoved	May 5, 2008 2:16 PM
If you don't work in the school system this would seem like a good move up for Imerson- If you do work in the school system you know he was fired from his position because of his failure to work with the staff - what's the opening

by John	May 5, 2008 2:16 PM
Andy Frelick has been an admirable and respected leader of Wesley Chapel High School since its inception. He has gone out of his way to advocate for students and students know this as a truth. I applaude his leadership of the school as a whole.

by Jaylynn	May 5, 2008 1:56 PM
This change is not a result of district revamping as Mr. Jim Davis asserts, it is a displinary issue for Mr. Imerson in lieu of being fired. Nice that district can "create" a job for him while education funding is being cut.

by Joe Marie	May 5, 2008 1:20 PM
The fact that he opened his mouth too early demonstrates how he should not be be at the district office. He has to learn that there is a time and place to discuss issues....this was not the time. Way to go. How come the job wasn't advertised?

by Pasco Mom	May 4, 2008 12:06 PM
I certainly hope that some of the changes include the elimination of several district positions. If Ms. Fiorentino does her job well, WHY would she need (how many, 6?) assistant supers? Lets give her ONE assistant. Better yet, lets replace

by Heather	May 4, 2008 11:50 AM
The district is not changing for the benefit of the students, but for those in charge--increase their pay while cutting pay for the teachers. There is nothing positive in the district re-vamp unless you consider a change in board membe

by Kathy	May 4, 2008 11:48 AM
Heather's got the right idea; maybe for the wrong reason but, GHS students will surely benefit. Now, if she'd only take "Dr." Lepley too!

by John	May 4, 2008 11:48 AM
Let's create another district position when those types should be getting cut. Without a doubt Imerson's new position will involve some sort of financial compensation better that what he got as principal of Gulf.

by Mike	May 4, 2008 11:42 AM
Obviously Mr. Frelick had a hand in your inablity to spell "administration." Or was that someone else's fault?

by ele	May 2, 2008 10:14 PM
Welsey Chapel needs an adminastristration change as well, if Frelick left many other students that have gone to private schools in Tampa, would return. He is a very unfair principal.