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Principal shuffle continues among elementary schools

 
Published April 28, 2017

Three more Pasco County elementary schools will be getting new principals, with another round of shifts announced this week.

The changes come as a result of superintendent Kurt Browning's decision to replace Charlene Tidd at low-performing West Zephyrhills Elementary with Scott Atkins from Sand Pine Elementary.

Christine Twardosz is recommended to move from Centennial Elementary to Sand Pine, and Gretchen Rudolph-Fladd to Centennial Elementary from Veterans Elementary.

"We would advertise Veterans Elementary School seeking a candidate for next school year," assistant superintendent David Scanga advised the School Board.

All of the transfers would take place in late May or early June, allowing the principals to complete the current academic year at their current campuses.

About a dozen other schools got new principals this spring, as well, due to a mix of promotions, demotions and one unexpected death. Browning has said he is attempting to better match leaders' skills with the needs of each school.

IN COURT: The plaintiffs alleging Sunshine Law violations in the school district's recent west-side attendance boundary revision process have asked for the removal of the judge assigned to the case.

Parent James Stanley made the motion in Circuit Court, with legal counsel, based on the fact that the judge, Declan Mansfield, is married to Clerk of Court Paula O'Neil, whose office is represented by School Board attorney Dennis Alfonso.

He further noted that O'Neil conducted the swearing-in ceremony for district superintendent Kurt Browning. These relationships could bias Mansfield in favor of the district, he alleged.

Alfonso has filed a response seeking denial of the motion. He noted the motion was submitted 84 days after Mansfield was assigned the case, making it not timely.

He also claimed that the allegations do not meet the legal grounds for disqualification.

"The plaintiffs' motion gives the appearance of being yet another attempt to continue forum shopping for their claim," Alfonso wrote.

An administrative hearing judge recently ruled against a separate challenge to the rezoning process.