Brevard School Board taps Tara Harris as interim superintendent as Rendell exits early

First reported by Florida Today. The Brevard County School Board on Tuesday, Nov. 10, unanimously picked Assistant Superintendent Tara Harris to serve as interim superintendent of Brevard Public Schools, according to Florida Today. Harris, who leads curriculum and instruction and has worked for the district since 1997, is expected to lead the district for the rest of the school year. Florida Today reports she plans to retire afterward and will not seek the permanent job.

The pick follows a special board meeting the same day on outgoing Superintendent Mark Rendell's separation agreement, the only action item on the meeting agenda. The board moved Rendell's last day up from Nov. 27 to Friday, Nov. 13, WESH reported, after public comment in which nearly all speakers criticized the agreement and its timing. Rendell announced Nov. 5 that he is leaving to become vice president of workforce education at Eastern Florida State College.

Florida Today reports Rendell will receive about $167,000 in accrued sick and vacation pay under the agreement, and that Board Chair Matt Susin said the search for a permanent superintendent will begin the week of Nov. 16, with the board's two newly elected members taking part.

Check brevardschools.org for official district updates.