During its special meeting today, the Sarasota County School Board voted 3-2 to appoint Terrence Connor—currently the deputy superintendent and chief academic officer for Hillsborough County Public Schools—as Sarasota County’s new Superintendent of Schools. Tom Edwards, Karen Rose and Robyn Marinelli voted yes for Connor's appointment; Timothy Enos and board chair Bridget Ziegler voted no.

Connor replaces Brendan Asplen, who was forced out of the superintendent position in December 2022. Asplen has since taken a job as deputy superintendent for the St. Johns County School District, where he worked before relocating to Sarasota in 2020.

Connor has a bachelor’s degree in middle grades education from the University of North Florida and a master's degree in administration and management from Nova Southeastern University. Prior to his role in Hillsborough County, he served as the chief academic officer/assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction for Clay County District Schools, as well as the chief of secondary Education for Clay County District Schools. He also served as principal of Samuel W. Wolfson High School, and principal, assistant principal of curriculum, and seventh- and eighth-grade comprehensive science teacher at Oceanway School, which are all part of Duval County Public Schools.

"I am grateful to the board for choosing me to lead the schools in this wonderful community," Connor said in a statement. "I share the district’s vision for keeping learning at the center of everything we do, and have seen the great things that can happen when educators and families are committed to doing that. Together, I know we will work to help all of our students succeed and can make Sarasota County Schools No. 1 in the state.” 

During the Wednesday special meeting, the school board also voted 5-0 to approve the school board chair and general council to start contract negotiations with Connor.