August 2024 Luncheon - Inside the Classroom: A Look at the Region's Growing School Districts

Description

Check-in & Networking 11:30 AM-12:00 PM
Program 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Lakewood Ranch continues to rank at the top of the nation’s fastest growing multigenerational communities, and Manatee and Sarasota School Districts are anticipating and planning for the future needs of our region. With the 2024-2025 school year back in session, School Superintendents Dr. Jason Wysong (Manatee County) and Terry Connor (Sarasota County) join us to share an update on LWR’s high ranking schools and what’s in store for the years ahead. As both Superintendents enter into their second year in their position, come learn about their priorities for their districts and how they are handling future growth.

Speakers

Dr. Jason Wysong
Superintendent of the School District of Manatee County

Dr. Jason Wysong was sworn in as Superintendent of the School District of Manatee County on July 3, 2023. He is excited to serve the students and employees of SDMC as the pinnacle of a 23-year career in K-12 education. His priorities as superintendent include enhancing student safety and campus security; improving student outcomes in core subject areas; ensuring that every graduate has a plan for their future; and maintaining the school district’s reputation for providing high-quality opportunities for students in the arts, athletics, and career and technical education—all while showing respect for taxpayers by operating the school district with fiscal transparency and fidelity.

Dr. Wysong taught social studies and coached nationally competitive debate teams for seven years at two secondary schools in central Florida. Aspiring to achieve a broader impact for students and schools, in 2007 he joined Seminole County Public Schools, an “A” rated district northeast of Orlando serving more than 63,000 students. His leadership experience in Seminole included high school Dean of Students and then Assistant Principal before moving to the district office to serve in a variety of positions focused on expanding opportunities for students, including Coordinator of Race to the Top; Director and then Executive Director of Education Pathways & Strategic Partnerships; Executive Director of Instruction; and Deputy Superintendent]. As Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Wysong was responsible for leading K-12 instruction and organizing strategic action across all district departments and schools.

Dr. Wysong is a beneficiary of the Florida public education system, attending K-12 schools in Miami-Dade County followed by degrees from the University of Florida (B.A., Political Science & History; M.Ed., Social Studies Education) and the University of Central Florida (Ed.S., Educational Leadership; Ed.D. Educational Leadership).

Terry Connor
Superintendent of the School District of Sarasota County

Superintendent Terry Connor was born in Jacksonville, Florida and has spent his entire educational career serving students & families in the Sunshine State. A proud product of the Duval County public school system, he believes in the transformative power of education and has an unparalleled focus on providing life-changing learning experiences for all children.

Drawn to cultivating educational excellence in himself and others from an early age, he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Middle Grades Education from the University of North Florida, and his Master of Administration & Management from Nova Southeastern University. Superintendent Connor holds Florida Educator's Certifications in Educational Leadership (All Levels); School Principal (All Levels); General Science (Grades 5-9); Mathematics (Grades 5-9); and Physical Education (Grade K-12). He completed the National Institute of School Leadership’s (NISL) Executive Development Program and holds an Instructional Coaching Certification from the University of Florida’s Lastinger Center for Learning.

He began his distinguished career in education as a 7th & 8th Grade Comprehensive Science Teacher. Superintendent Connor has since served as an Assistant Principal, Principal, Chief of Secondary Education, Chief Academic Officer/Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction, and Deputy Superintendent & Chief Academic Officer before starting his role as Superintendent of Schools for Sarasota County. Highly regarded for his conscientious and uplifting leadership style, Superintendent Connor is committed to reducing the achievement gap, leveraging resources to drive innovations in teaching & learning, and keeping student success at the forefront of Sarasota County Schools’ goals and decisions. Every Student. Every Day!