A total of 26 candidates have thrown their hats in the ring to become the next superintendent of St. Johns County Schools—a role that will not only dictate the district’s educational reputation but also influence the region’s growth.
Current superintendent Tim Forson is set to retire at the end of June, capping a 40-year career in one of Florida’s top-performing school districts.
Forson, who makes $174,000 a year, served in a variety of roles before taking the district helm in 2016.
With the March 30 application deadline now passed, the selection process begins in earnest. One candidate rescinded their candidacy on Tuesday.
While the majority of the applicants are from Florida — including several currently working in the district — applicants emerged from across the country.
View all submitted resumes here.
Forson’s successor will inherit a top-ranked school system that has drawn parents from across the country and fueled the county’s rapid growth — but significant challenges loom.
Meager teacher pay continues to hobble recruitment and retention efforts, with staff turnover an ongoing challenge for local administrators.
Explosive county population growth is straining district resources, and concerns over class sizes are mounting.
The school board is seeking public input on the candidates before a special April 10 meeting to select semifinalists at the SJCSD Administrative Building Auditorium at 40 Orange St. in St. Augustine at 4 p.m.
Interested parties can submit comments directly to board members.
April 10, 2025: Board meeting to identify semi-finalists
April 18, 2025: Deadline for semi-finalists to submit additional materials
April 25, 2025: Board meeting to select finalists and discuss the interview process
Week of May 12, 2025: On site interviews with finalists
May 20, 2025: Board Meeting to select the new superintendent and discuss contract negotiations
On or Before July 1, 2025: Likely start date for the new superintendent
