Sarasota County Schools is pleased to announce three upcoming leadership changes within the district: Dr. Kirk Hutchinson – the current Principal of Venice Elementary – has been selected to serve as the new Chief of Student Services for Sarasota County Schools, effective Monday, June 3, 2024. Ms. Cindy Thro – the current Principal of Atwater Elementary – has been selected to serve as the new Executive Director of Elementary Schools for Sarasota County Schools, effective Monday, June 3, 2024. Mrs. Jamie Hannon – the current Principal of Southside Elementary – has been selected to serve as the Principal of the school district’s new K-8 school located at Skye Ranch, effective Monday, June 3, 2024. Dr. Hutchinson earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Maryland, College Park; a Master’s Degree in Administration & Supervision from Johns Hopkins University; and a Doctor of Education from the University of Florida. Prior to assuming his former role as the Principal of Venice Elementary in June 2018, he served as the Principal of Atwater Elementary and the Assistant Principal of Lamarque Elementary. Dr. Hutchinson and his wife have two college-age children who both attended schools in Sarasota County. Ms. Thro earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Education, both from the University of South Florida. Prior to assuming her former role as the Principal of Atwater Elementary in June 2018, she served as the Principal and the Assistant Principal of Oak Grove Elementary (Tampa, FL). When not at school, Ms. Thro finds great joy and relaxation in spending time on the boat and enjoying the beautiful beaches in Sarasota. Mrs. Hannon earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Visual Disabilities from Florida State University, a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Florida State University, and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education. Prior to assuming her former role as the Principal of Southside Elementary in July 2021, she served as the Assistant Principal of Fruitville Elementary and an Assistant Principal Intern at Phillippi Shores Elementary. Mrs. Hannon grew up in Sarasota and is a product of Sarasota County school system.