As part of a broader strategic effort to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen instructional leadership, Superintendent Michael Maine has announced a series of appointment recommendations for key leadership positions within the Martin County School District. These recommendations will be presented to the Martin County School Board for consideration during its meeting scheduled for June 17, 2025. Recommendations approved by the Board will take effect July 1, 2025.
These personnel recommendations are a primary element of Superintendent Maine’s districtwide reorganization, which will result in a projected cost savings of $534,963 for the 2025–2026 school year. The realignment reinforces the District’s commitment to fiscal responsibility while investing in leadership that drives student achievement and systemwide improvement.
“This reorganization is not only about realigning roles, it's about maximizing our impact,” Superintendent Maine said. “We are streamlining our structure to eliminate redundancy, operate more efficiently, and ensure our leadership team is strategically positioned to support students, staff, and schools. The savings generated by this reorganization plan reflects the District's unwavering commitment to being excellent stewards of public funds and accelerating progress toward becoming Florida’s top-performing school district.”
Forthcoming recommendations include:
Mr. Daniel Moore – Current Director of Curriculum & Instruction- is recommended for appointment to the position of Executive Director, Curriculum & Instruction. The existing Assistant Superintendent of Academics position will be eliminated in the 2025-2026 school year.
Mr. Jeffrey Raimann – Current Director of Talent Acquisition & HR Operations - is recommended for appointment to the position of Executive Director, Talent Acquisition & HR Operations. The existing Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources position will be eliminated in the 2025-2026 school year.
Ms. Lauren Gifford – Current Principal of Port Salerno Elementary School - is recommended for appointment to the position of Executive Director, School Improvement & Leadership.
Mr. Mark Cowles – Current Coordinator of Art, Music, Physical Education, Social Studies & World Languages - is recommended for appointment to the position of Coordinator, Executive Initiatives. Existing subject area coordinator positions will be consolidated into one Coordinator position in the 2025-2026 school year.
Ms. Lana Barros – Current Director of Innovation & Choice - is recommended for appointment to the position of Coordinator, College and Career Readiness. The existing Innovation & Choice Department will become part of the Curriculum & Instruction Department in the 2025-2026 school year.
Ms. Danielle Farrell – Current Coordinator of Innovation & Choice - is recommended for appointment to the position of Coordinator, Acceleration. The existing Innovation & Choice Department will become part of the Curriculum & Instruction Department in the 2025-2026 school year.
Dr. Paige McMahon – Current Coordinator of Mathematics - is recommended for appointment to the position of Coordinator, Curriculum & Instruction. All subject area coordinator positions will be consolidated into this position in the 2025-2026 school year.
Ms. Angela Gilbride – Current Assistant Principal of Warfield Elementary School - is recommended for appointment to the position of Principal, Pre-K Programs. The existing Director of Pre-K Programs position will be eliminated in the 2025-2026 school year.
Ms. Julie Sessa – Current Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources - is recommended for appointment to the position of Coordinator, Facilities & Planning. The existing Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources position will be eliminated in the 2025-2026 school year.
Mr. David Shaffer – Current Assistant Principal of Port Salerno Elementary School - is recommended for appointment to the position of Principal, Port Salerno Elementary School.
Ms. Mercedes Thurston – Current Dean of Students at Spectrum Academy - is recommended for appointment to the position of Assistant Principal- High School, Spectrum Academy.