District announces leadership moves

SARASOTA — Sarasota County Schools announced changes in leadership for three current elementary school principals Tuesday, all of whom will be stepping into a new role created for the district.

Kirk Hutchinson, the current principal of Venice Elementary, has been selected to serve as the new chief of student services for SCS.

The chief of student services position was added based on recommendations from "a recent ESE audit," SCS Director of Communications Craig Maniglia said.

Cindy Thro, the current principal of Atwater Elementary in North Port, has been selected to serve as the new executive director of elementary schools for SCS.

Maniglia said the elementary executive director position was introduced to help manage the workload of primary schools in SCS, which has now expanded to more than 20 across Sarasota county.

"It was created to help span the control and ensure we are providing the best possible educational outcomes for our students," he said.

Prior to Tuesday's announcement, the department was only managed by Jennifer Mainelli, the SCS chief of elementary schools.

Jamie Hannon, the current principal of Southside Elementary, has been selected to serve as the first principal of Skye Ranch, the district's new K-through-eight school.

The three will take on their new roles effective June 3, according to district officials.

There was no immediate information on the next principals for Atwater Elementary or Venice Elementary.