Robert Avossa Chosen To Lead Florida School System

Editor’s note: this story has been updated to reflect Dr. Robert Avossa has been selected to lead the School District of Palm Beach County in Florida.

The Fulton County School System is in the market for a new leader.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Avossa has been chosen to lead the School District of Palm Beach County in Florida, Fulton County Schools said on Thursday.

The Florida school system did not offer any additional details on the decision, which was made unanimously.

Avossa on Thursday was named one of three finalists vying to lead the school system, and took part in formal interviews during a public meeting.

The Fulton County School Board late Thursday afternoon congratulated Avossa on the announcement and keeping the body “informed throughout the selection process.”

Board members in a statement noted Palm Beach County school officials will see the same “leadership qualities“ that have helped Avossa thrive while serving Fulton County.

The board also said it’s confident that careful planning ”will ensure a smooth leadership transition for our school district.”

“We have a solid strategic plan, excellent staff and highly capable leaders who will keep our district moving forward,” the board said. “The Board is confident that when the time comes to choose a successor, we will hire someone well suited to complete the work that has been started in our current strategic plan and to address the future needs of Fulton County Schools.

“We wish Dr. Avossa and his family the best. He has led Fulton County Schools to accomplish great things during his tenure. While we’re in the midst of our five-year strategic plan, Dr. Avossa has built a framework that will successfully transition a new leader to continue the work of the Board. When the Board of Education hired Dr. Avossa four years ago, we were just embarking on our journey to become a charter system. He brought his knowledge, philosophy, energy and passion to his role as superintendent, and the children of Fulton County Schools were the beneficiaries of his tireless efforts.

“Our parents, community members and all stakeholders can rest assured that a succession plan is in place. There are excellent people in our own Fulton County School System to potentially serve in the interim.”

The Fulton County School Board in 2011 hired Avossa to replace former Superintendent Cindy Loe. Before coming to Fulton County, Avossa worked as the chief strategy and accountability officer for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in North Carolina.

The Fulton school board in October voted to extend Avossa’s contract, which was set to expire June 30, 2017. It was the third contract extension the board approved since hiring Avossa.

According to WABE, Avossa currently earns more than $343,000 each year in salary and benefits.

Photo credit: Fulton County School System