Hillsborough School Board Decides Superintendent's Fate

Being named Florida’s Superintendent of the Year wasn’t enough for MaryEllen Elia to keep her job as the top administrator over Hillsborough County Schools.

The board voted 4-3 Tuesday night to terminate Elia’s contract, according to The Tampa Tribune.

Elia’s last day is March 15, according to the Tampa Bay Times. The estimated cost of terminating Elia’s contract without cause is more than $1 million, the paper reported.

More than 70 speakers turned out for Tuesday’s meeting to speak both for and against keeping Elia. The vote followed more than three hours of comment from those speakers, the Times noted.

Elia, who heads up the country’s eighth largest school district, has faced mounting criticism in recent years from the public and school board members alike. She, however, also had outspoken supporters, including Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn.

Board Chairwoman Susan Valdes last week requested a vote to terminate Elia’s contract be placed on Tuesday’s agenda.

It is unclear how soon the district will launch a search for a new superintendent.

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MaryEllen Elia/Patch file Photo