Alum Terrence Connor appointed Sarasota County’s Superintendent of Schools
Terrence Connor, an alumnus of the University of North Florida College of Education and Human Services, has been selected as the new Superintendent of Schools for Sarasota County. Connor currently serves as the Deputy Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer for Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS), where he has played a significant role in shaping the district’s academic, financial, operational and community engagement decisions.
Connor received his bachelor’s degree in middle grades education at UNF and his master’s degree in administration and management from Nova Southeastern University. He brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge, having previously served as the chief academic officer/assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction for Clay County District Schools (CCDS) and the chief of secondary education for CCDS. Additionally, he has held notable positions with Duval County Public Schools (DCPS), including principal of Samuel W. Wolfson High School and several leadership roles at Oceanway School.
Holding learning at the core of all his endeavors, Connor has a proven record of driving academic improvement and ensuring the stability of educational institutions. During his tenure as Deputy Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer of HCPS, the district improved its state academic ranking from 35th to 19th. Similarly, as Chief Academic Officer of Clay County School District, the district improved its state academic ranking from 20th to 8th. As an effective fiscal leader, he also has experience securing substantial funding for education and supporting multi-million-dollar budgets.
Currently, as Deputy Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer for Hillsborough County, Connor is working to improve student achievement and staff effectiveness in all district-managed schools by providing curriculum, instruction and assessment support services. Under Connor’s leadership, HCPS has achieved a #1 national ranking in 4th grade reading and math on the 2022 Trial Urban District Assessment administered by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). In addition, he has championed efforts to narrow achievement gaps and launched a workforce development initiative that includes medical and construction academics.
In a recent statement, Connor says, “I am grateful to the board for choosing me to lead the schools in this wonderful community. I share the district’s vision for keeping learning at the center of everything we do and have seen the great things that can happen when educators and families are committed to doing that.”