Ousted Hillsborough School Leader Lands Post in New York

Former Hillsborough County School Superintendent MaryEllen Elia appears to be landing on her feet with an appointment lined up back in her home state of New York.

Elia, 66, was named New York State’s commissioner of education, according a press release issued by the state’s Board of Regents. Elia is a native of the Buffalo area, but served in Hillsborough County’s top educational post for more than a decade before her January firing.

During her tenure in the nation’s eighth-largest school district, Elia faced mounting criticism, which ultimately culminated in the Hillsborough County School Board’s 4-3 vote to terminate her employment back in January.

Elia, who was named 2015 Florida Superintendent of the Year, and was up for national honors, as well, has had a number of supporters in her corner since the ouster.

Washington Post writer Jay Mathews wrote a column about the firing in February, saying the decision was a “mistake” that is both “senseless and catastrophic.”

The New York State Board of Regents voted Tuesday to name Elia to the post.

Meanwhile, Hillsborough has named Jeff Eakins its acting superintendent.

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See Also:

• Elia’s Firing Called Catastrophic on National Stage
• Hillsborough School Board Decides Superintendent’s Fate
• Hillsborough Commissioners Honor Ousted School Superintendent

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