Search for New Superintendent Begins Next Week

In the past few months, Pinellas County School Board members have not always agreed when it came to assessing Superintendent Julie Janssen's job performance. But Tuesday morning they were all on the same page when they decided to fire her during a 7-0 vote. Now, Janssen has 11 days to get her personal things in order and vacate her office.  

The vote that ended Janssen's career with Pinellas County Schools came during a special meeting about her job performance. In June, school board members gave Janssen a deadline of Aug. 23 to improve. Some board members said they had lost confidence in her. 

During today's vote, some board members were still so displeased with Janssen's performance, they wanted to fire her immediately. Robin Wikle, Terry Krassner and Janet Clark voted against a motion extending Janssen's termination date to Sept. 2.  

Terry Krassner was upset that the Pinellas County School District’s statewide academic ranking had fallen from 29 to 49 under Janssen's leadership. “I don’t question the heart and intentions,” Krassner said, “but I do question her results for our students and staff."

The board also spoke about Janssen’s dedication to students, and her commitment to her work. “I think she gave it her best; I think her heart was there,” said board member Lew Williams. “There were just too many distractions.”

Janssen says her firing was not a surprise. “I knew what was coming, and I am pleased that they trusted me enough to give me an extra couple of weeks,” she said. "I am not here to do harm to this district; my heart has always been here for this work and for the kids.”

By terminating the superintendent without cause, the board agreed to pay Janssen one year’s salary and benefits, which amounts to more than $200,000. If Janssen gets a job within the year, the severance pay will end.

When asked about any future plans she might have, Janssen was reflective. “I don’t know," she said. "I think I’d like to take a vacation with my family. We haven’t done that in a long time.” She did not comment on any potential future employment.

The next task for the school board is to appoint an interim superintendent who will serve while the board looks for Janssen's permanent replacement, a proccess that could take three months or more.

Jim Madden, deputy superintendent of Pinellas County Schools, told the board he was not interested in serving as interim superintendent.

John Stewart, a former Polk County superintendent and former deputy superintendent of Pinellas County Schools, will be asked if he is interested in the interim position. If he accepts, the board will vote on his approval during a special school board meeting scheduled for Aug. 30.