Principal Shakeup Shocks District

Explorer K-8 will end its first school year with a shakeup among its administration, including the transfer of its principal, Dominick Ferello.

The move is among several School Superintendent Wayne Alexander announced Tuesday, including the transfer of Nature Coast Technical High School Principal Tizzy Schoelles. Schoelles was tapped for the job when the school opened its doors six years ago.

Assistant principals are also targeted at Explorer. Out of the three on staff, two were not reappointed, essentially leaving Sue Roth and Dana Pierce without a job. They will be replaced by Barbara Kidder and Dianne Azzarelli. The only one not being replaced is Vivian Sweeny, wife of school board member John Sweeny.

News of Schoelles' transfer to Fox Chapel Middle School was met with shock among the teachers. The shakeup also raised some questions about the administration at Explorer.

"Normally (a principal) isn't moved in the first year unless there's concerns there," said Joe Vitalo, president of the teacher's union.

He left any elaboration on those concerns to Alexander.

The superintendent said the moves were made with the best interests of the schools in mind. He refused to comment on which of the moves were voluntary.

The upcoming moves mirror a district downsize last year that brought a top-tier executive, Ken Pritz, to Hernando County High School. For the 2009-10 school year, Sonya Jackson, executive director of school services and accountability, will be moving to Nature Coast to take Schoelles' place.

Her position and duties will likely be folded into the new assistant superintendent position, which is expected to be announced at the next workshop meeting April 21.

Taking over at Explorer is Ray Pinder, the current principal at Fox Chapel Middle School. Many of the middle school students at Explorer were moved from Fox Chapel.

The principal of Star Education Center, John Shepherd, will take a post as assistant principal at Eastside Elementary School. His job will likely be posted.

Jeff Yungmann will be a new assistant principal at Nature Coast, and Joy Green will be assistant principal at Powell Middle School.

None of the principals returned phone messages.