MARCH 25, 2026 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kevin Christian, APR, CPRC, Director of Public Relations

352.671.7734 w ◊ 352.840.3265 c

[email protected]

NEW PRINCIPALS ANNOUNCED FOR

NEXT SCHOOL YEAR

 MARION COUNTY – Superintendent of Schools Dr. Danielle Brewer announces the following principal changes effective this August for the 2026-2027 school year pending School Board approval.

Necessitated mostly by retirements and District-level moves, the leadership changes impact nine schools and include five first-time principals as noted:

• Belleview-Santos Elementary – Constance Carpenter (first-time principal replacing current Principal Kimberly White who moves to another school)
• Eighth Street Elementary – Renee Johnson (dual-campus principal with Osceola Middle)
• Fordham Early Learning Academy – Tracy Moody (first-time principal replacing current Principal Jennifer Beck who returns to the District Office)
• Forest High – Chris Carlisle (returning principal replacing Dr. Dion Gary)
• Hillcrest – Cindy Lowe (first-time principal replacing retiring current Principal Lori Manresa)
• Howard Middle – Dr. Dion Gary (moves from Forest High replacing current Principal Suzette Parker who moves to the District Office)
• North Marion Middle – Stephanie Collins (first-time principal replacing retiring current Principal Rusty Corley)
• South Ocala Elementary – Ryan Bennett (moves from Eighth Street Elementary replacing current Principal Dr. Diana Elysee who moves to the District Office)
• Sunrise Elementary – Susan Williams (replaces retiring current Principal Cathy Balius)

As a cost-savings measure, 54 positions were cut from the District’s staffing plan this year.  Continuing these efforts, seven assistant principal positions were cut from next year’s staffing plan due to site-based budgeting by schools. 

 These principal changes will impact approximately 7,000 students.

 For more information, contact the Public Relations Office.

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An Equal Opportunity School District

www.marionschools.net

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