Photo: Sarasota High School

I am honored to serve as the new Superintendent of Sarasota County Schools. To the School Board and  Community Advisory Committee, I thank you for the confidence you have placed in selecting me, and I fully comprehend the mission that you have entrusted to my care. To the district employees, I appreciate the support you have already displayed, and I look forward to laboring alongside you to serve our students. And to my family, I thank you for being the foundation of my career— my wife is my rock, who I admire as an educator herself, my children are my inspiration, who keep me relevant, and my grandson is my joy and hope for tomorrow.

Sarasota County is an extraordinary place, and its school district is consistently one of the highest-ranked in Florida. I am excited to work with the Board Members, school district employees, students, parents and the community to not only continue, but also elevate our commitment to providing a high-quality public education for all students. Though we have each been profoundly impacted by the pandemic, I have faith that we can come together as a community to support our schools.

All students have a right to a stellar public education in an environment where they can shine, make memories and grow into their fullest potential. We must not lose sight of the importance of academic, emotional and civic growth for our children, even during this time of adversity. The start of this school year will certainly be unique and it will surely present learning curves for us all. I ask for your compassion, understanding and collaborative spirit – not just for our school communities, but towards your neighbors, children and anyone you may encounter. Our children are looking to us to lead by example. I know we can achieve great things if we all unite positively to forge ahead into this new school year; we must maximize the present, however challenging, while we look toward a bright future.

I am humbled and sincerely grateful to now serve as your Superintendent. I look forward to getting to know our community better and cannot wait to lead Sarasota County Schools into its new school year, and beyond.

Dr. Brennan Asplen is new Superintendent of Sarasota County Schools. The school year begins on Monday in the county.

Photo: Sarasota High School