Former Hernando superintendent Romano poised to advance in Pasco school district

Former Hernando County schools superintendent Lori Romano is making a quick rise through the ranks of the Pasco County school district.

Fired by her School Board in June amid accusations of ineffective leadership, Romano took a mid-level job as Pasco's lone full-time grants writer weeks later.

Five months into that post, which Pasco officials deemed critical to finding outside revenue sources, Romano has been nominated to fill the district's senior supervisor of federal/state grants and shared services post, beginning in March.

She would replace veteran administrator Tammy Rabon, who is retiring.

The job, which carries a maximum salary of $101,599, oversees a staff of four that directs high profile areas including school choice, charter schools and Title I.

As superintendent Kurt Browning brought Romano to the district, a handful of critics contended Pasco should not import Hernando's problems. At the same time, though, many observers predicted she would move up the ladder quickly.

District spokeswoman Linda Cobbe said Romano won her new post over other applicants, after a strong interview and equally strong job performance.

"She's highly qualified," Cobbe said. "She's done a terrific job boosting our grants productivity, and she's fit in really well with our staff."

Any issues she had in Hernando appeared largely political, as Romano held a "lightning rod" position, and they have not surfaced in Pasco, Cobbe said.

Related coverage: Fired Hernando school superintendent Lori Romano finds a job in the county next door — Pasco