At least eight schools across Marion County are changing their principals for the upcoming school year, with three still looking to fill the position.
Marion County Public Schools Interim Superintendent Dr. Danielle Brewer announced the changes in a press release on Tuesday, June 10. According to Brewer, the changes will go into effect on July 1, 2025, pending approval by the Marion County School Board.
The district says it will announce principals at East Marion Elementary School, Harbour View Elementary School, and Lake Weir Middle School in the coming weeks.
At Harbour View, the current principal (Stacy Houston) is voluntarily moving to a reading coach position at another school. In the case of Lake Weir Middle School, the current principal (Jason Jacobs) is leaving that position to take over the same role at Lake Weir High School. And at East Marion, the current principal (Sarah Dobbs) will take over Oakcrest Elementary.
The principal leaving Lake Weir High, Ken McAteer, is moving to the same position at New High School “CCC.”
The new principal at Forest High School is Dr. Dion Gary, who is currently in the same role at Belleview Middle School. Ashley Kemp will become principal at Belleview Middle School, moving from the district level as a principal on assignment at Oakcrest Elementary.
Dr. Stacey Varner will take over the role of principal at College Park Elementary, moving from the Grants and Federal Programs Department. She replaces Teresa Forsyth, who retired after 31 years with Marion County Public Schools.
The current principal at Forest High School (Lamar Rembert) is moving on to the district level, becoming an Area Superintendent for Region 1.
Principals at two new elementary schools were previously announced by the district.
Ross Prairie Elementary will have LeAnn McEarchern at its helm, and Winding Oaks Elementary will be led by Traci Crawford.