With the 2024–25 academic year officially wrapped, Sarasota County Schools is undergoing a wave of leadership transitions at both the elementary and middle school levels. Five schools will welcome new principals beginning July 1, following internal promotions and one high-profile shift tied to the district’s newest campus, Wellen Park High School.
The principal appointments affect Brookside Middle, Woodland Middle, Englewood Elementary, Atwater Elementary, and Alta Vista Elementary. The changes reflect a pattern of promoting from within, with most of the new leaders having previously served as assistant principals or principals at other Sarasota schools.
Wellen Park to Woodland: Leadership chain reaction
In late May, Woodland Middle School principal Mark Grossenbacher was named the inaugural principal of Wellen Park High, which is set to open in 2026. His departure triggered a chain of promotions within the district.
Trenton Terry, currently Assistant Principal at Woodland, will step into the principal role. Terry, a 2015 graduate of the Florida Commissioner’s Leadership Academy, has held various leadership roles across Sarasota and DeSoto counties.
In a district press release, Terry said he was excited to take on a new role at Woodland.
“Woodland will continue to grow and innovate,” Terry said. “I’m committed to making sure all Wildcats—students and staff—have the resources they need to succeed.”
New faces at Brookside Middle and Englewood Elementary
Lindsay Gallof, assistant principal of curriculum at Sarasota High School, has been named principal of Brookside Middle School. Gallof, who is an SCS graduate, has previous experience at Venice and Riverview High Schools, as well as in ESE program administration.
Gallof earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education: Varying Exceptionalities from the University of South Florida and her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education. Gallof holds certifications in Educational Leadership (K-12), School Principal (K-12), Exceptional Student Education (K-12), and Math (5-9). Additionally, she has endorsements in English for Speakers of Other Languages (K-12) and Reading (K-12).
“It is an honor to serve as the new Principal of Brookside Middle School,” said Gallof. “As a proud graduate of Sarasota County Schools, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community that helped shape who I am today,” Gallof said via a district media release.
At Englewood Elementary, Eric Idoyaga will transition from Heron Creek Middle School, where he served as the assistant principal. Idoyaga has a background in math education and has held teaching and administrative roles at multiple schools across the district.
“Englewood Elementary is famous for its culture of caring and respect,” Idoyaga said. “I look forward to helping our Eagles soar to new heights.”
He holds advanced degrees in mathematics education and leadership, and has previously worked across several Sarasota middle schools as both a teacher and an administrator before being named the new principal at Englewood Elementary.
Double Transition at Alta Vista and Atwater Elementary Schools
Two additional changes were announced in April by Sarasota County Schools district leaders.
Dr. Mindy Long, former principal at Alta Vista Elementary, has moved to lead Atwater Elementary School in North Port.
“Atwater’s school community is one of respect, curiosity, and collaboration,” said Long.
Long, who earned her doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Florida, started her most recent role as the principal of Alta Vista Elementary School in 2022. She has served as the assistant principal of Fruitville Elementary School and Lamarque Elementary School.
Replacing her at Alta Vista is Meredith McArthur, the school’s current Assistant Principal. McArthur has served at Alta Vista since 2019 and brings over 20 years of experience from both Sarasota and Manatee counties.
“It’s a privilege to continue to grow in my career among such an amazing group of team members,” McArthur said.
The five principal appointments reflect Sarasota County Schools’ continued efforts to strengthen leadership across its campuses ahead of the 2025–26 academic year. All transitions take effect July 1, as the district prepares for a summer of planning, training, and back-to-school readiness.
Samantha Gholar reports on social justice, education, and wellness for USA Today Network-Florida. Outside the newsroom, she’s either leading Pilates sessions or chasing stories across the globe—always in search of meaning, movement, and culture. Connect with her through email at sgholar@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota County Schools announce leadership changes at five campuses next academic year
Reporting by Samantha Gholar, Sarasota Herald-Tribune / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
