ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — In exactly one week, the St. Johns County School Board will vote on a new superintendent.

On Tuesday evening, students, parents, and community members gathered to engage with the four finalists: Scott Schneider, Dr. Brennan Asplen, Dr. Marianne Simon, and Dr. Kyle Dresback.

All of these finalists have previously served as teachers, deans, principals, and in key leadership roles in their districts. Each of them shared their extensive experience and commitment to students and families, explaining why they believe they are the ideal selection for the position.

“I’m really looking to see a superintendent that’s engaged, boots on the ground. In classrooms working with principals and really getting a firsthand look at what’s going on in the school so they can make informed decisions and see what we need to grow or work on,” said Latrece Sudduth, a St. Johns County parent.

Sudduth is a St Johns County parent who’s thrilled to meet the four finalists hoping to become her son’s new superintendent.

Scott Schneider, Dr. Brennan Asplen, Dr. Marianne Simon and Dr. Kyle Dresback all showcased why they believe they’re the best fit for the job.  

Schneider has 14 years of administrative experience. For the last four years, he’s worked as chief of schools for Duval County Public Schools. 

“I would want to utilize that first few months to listen to the public, speak to stakeholders to find out what they believe is working. Talk to our employees about what they think is working and see where we can become more efficient but also come in with an outside mind,” he said.

Asplen brings with him 36 years of experience and has worked in a variety of roles. He’s been with the St Johns County School District since 2006 and is currently the deputy superintendent of operation for SJCSD. 

“My plan is to analyze different pieces of data within our district, try to identify gaps that we have that we can shore up and make ourselves even better,” Asplen said. “Working together with all of our groups in the district and working together with the community and collaborating on solutions. We need to find out what our parents and what our community members utilize as far as social media and use it correctly and push it all out there factual, transparent.”

Dr. Marianne Simon has 26 years of experience. She is currently the Region superintendent for Duval County public schools. 

“My vision would be to continue the academic excellence here, but keep pushing it further, closing any achievement gaps that we have. Really improving parent engagement, making sure that we’re being responsive to the needs of our parents and really supporting our teachers,” Simon said. 

Dr. Kyle Dresback has been with the St Johns County School District for 27 years. He is currently the regional superintendent for secondary and alternative schools.

“I just want to take and be able to build on the success that we’ve had and keep us moving to greater heights. We’ve got to be able to make sure it’s such a positive environment that the teachers want to be there, the parents want to be there and their kids want to be there,” he said.

“I’m really looking to see what they do with their leadership that’s in the current role and what they might do to recruit and make sure they have the right leadership in schools,” Sudduth said.

Next Tuesday, May 20 at 9 a.m., school board members will vote on a new superintendent.

This vote will take place during their regular school board meeting at the St. Johns County School District administrative building.

The new superintendent is expected to start on or before July 1.