Legg takes oath of superintendent
PASCO COUNTY – John Legg was sworn in Nov. 19 as superintendent of Pasco County Schools.
With a focus on student success, innovation and community partnership, Legg is excited to work with staff to serve the educational needs of families.
“I am honored to work alongside this incredible group of leaders,” Legg said. “Their experience and dedication to our community will be invaluable as we build a future centered on student success, both in the classroom and in life.”
Legg appointed Betsy Kuhn as deputy superintendent as well as established a Community Conversation Group composed of community leaders.
The group will meet over the coming months, offering perspectives on educational priorities to ensure a high-quality education for all Pasco students.
Members of the group include:
- Allen Altman, former school board member.
- Mark Barry, The ARC Nature Coast.
- Stacey Anne Capogrosso, Pasco Education Foundation.
- Jim Ciadella, retired United School Employees of Pasco member.
- Bill Cronin, Pasco Economic Development Council.
- Curtis Delaquil, ACE Mentoring Program.
- Dawn Enright, parent involvement coordinator.
- Daniel Farra, Family First Council.
- Leanne John, 2024 Teacher of the Year.
- Hope Kennedy, North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce.
- Chris Letsos, Big Brothers Big Sisters.
- Sean McGarvey, Pasco County Library System.
- Lindsay Moore, Pasco Sheriff’s Office.
- Mike Moore, Grace Family Church.
- Denise Nicholas, Pasco County PTA Advocates.
- Ray Polk, Academy of the Farm.
- Daniel Powell, Pasco-Hernando State College.
- Maria Reza, BayCare Health System.
- Jerome Salatino, Career Source Pasco Hernando.
- Eugene Scott, African American Club.
- Sally Seymour, HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital.
- Catalina Vasquez, Moffitt Cancer Center.
- MollyAnn Zimmerman, Home School/Florida Realtors/Bridging Freedom.
School board appoints leadership
PASCO COUNTY – The Pasco County School Board appointed District 3 representative Cynthia Armstrong as chair and District 2 member Colleen Beaudoin as vice chair during the Nov. 19 meeting.
District 5 rep Megan Harding has chaired the board for the past two years.
“Before I had the gavel over, I just wanted to take a moment to thank my peers for allowing me to serve in this capacity for two years,” Harding said. “I believe in the last two years we have accomplished so much for our students.”
School board members also received their committee assignments for 2025. They are as follows:
- District 1 – Al Hernandez – Government Relations, Pasco Education Foundation Board, Construction Management Evaluation.
- District 2 – Colleen Beaudoin – District Vision & Success Plan, Student Progression Plan/Student Code of Conduct, Early Childhood Programs – Police Council, Community Engagement Taskforce and Salary Referendum Oversight.
- District 3 – Cynthia Armstrong – District Insurance, Architect Selection, Property Value Adjustment Board and Investment Oversight.
- District 4 – Jessica Wright – Health & Wellness Initiatives, Wellness Policy Council and Large Capital Project Review Team
- District 5 – Megan Harding – Career Education Board, Charter School Task Force, Pasco Pathways and School Site Selection Advisory.
Alternate positions are not included in this list.
First Christian Academy student wins essay contest
PASCO COUNTY – Olivia Adams, of First Christian Academy in New Port Richey, won the 12th annual Clerk & Comptroller Essay Contest.
The contest tasked fifth-graders with answering the question: Why is the Constitution important?
Olivia wrote that the Constitution is important because of freedom, rights and the three branches of government. Her favorite rights are speech and religion.
“I think it’s wonderful I can talk about Jesus without breaking a law,” she wrote. “The Consitution ensures that I’ll never have to hide my prayers.”
She also wrote how the Constitution protects our rights from government control, mentioning how amendments allowed women to have the same rights as men.
“This is important because girls have dreams, too,” Olvia wrote.
She won $100 for earning first place.
“This year we had 117 entries – more than any year since I have been in office,” said Nikki Alvarez-Soules, clerk and comptroller for Pasco County.
Students from Kirkland Ranch K-8 and Wesley Chapel Elementary School came in second and third.
Iarussi leads Shady Hills Elementary
SPRING HILL – Trish Iarussi recently took over as principal of Shady Hills Elementary School.
Iarussi has worked 21 of her 22 years in education at Pasco County Schools, according to Kimberly Poe, assistant superintendent of elementary schools. Her first job in the district was as an ESC teacher at Shady Hills.
She has served as assistant principal for Gulf Trace, Hudson, Richey and Fox Hollow elementary schools.
“Her goal there is to continue leading and supporting the dedicated and passionate staff, students and families in their successful endeavors,” Poe said. “Trish is looking forward to the opportunity to serve Shady Hills and to continue impacting positively that student achievement.”
Education foundation raises $405K for hurricane relief
LAND O’ LAKES – The Pasco Education Foundation has raised $405,000 to support recovery relief for students and employees in Pasco County Schools, according to President Stacey Capogrosso.
Capogrosso said the funding has helped staff recover and build from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, ensuring they can focus on the work they do for schools.
“These efforts are already making a significant impact,” Capogrosso said. “We’ve used the funds to directly assist our schools, teachers, support staff and students.”
She credited supporters, such as the Community Foundation, Consortium of Florida Education Foundations, Duke Energy, Volunteer Florida, Helios Education Foundation, Lightning Foundation, Premier 1000, Suncoast Credit Union and individual donors.
“This outpouring of generosity reminds us of the incredible strength we have when we unite for a common cause,” Capogrosso said.
