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The School Board of Alachua County has approved Dr. Kamela Patton as the district’s new acting superintendent, bringing on board a seasoned educational leader with a proven track record of raising student achievement and promoting innovation. Dr. Patton will lead the district through its transition as a national search begins for a permanent superintendent.
“With her experience and expertise, Dr. Patton is the person we need during this transition, someone who will help keep this district moving in the right direction,” said Board Chair Diyonne McGraw. “She’ll be able to put systems in place to ensure our achievement gap continues to close. She’s also strong with finances, which will be very important this year.”
Dr. Patton’s educational career spans nearly 40 years, including roles as teacher, principal, and district administrator within Miami-Dade Public Schools. She recently served for 12 years as Superintendent of Collier County Public Schools (CCPS), one of Florida's largest school districts. Under her leadership, CCPS achieved substantial gains, including dramatic improvements in graduation rates and standardized test scores. Between 2011 and 2022, the district’s statewide performance ranking rose from 33rd to 5th.
During her tenure, Dr. Patton pioneered initiatives to support student success, including programs in college and career prep, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), special education, and mental health. Her innovative approaches extended to enhancing operational and fiscal efficiency within both Miami-Dade and Collier County schools.
Dr. Patton's accomplishments have been widely recognized. She was honored as Florida Superintendent of the Year and named a finalist for National Superintendent of the Year in 2021. She currently co-leads the American Association of School Administrators’ Aspiring Superintendents Academy for Women, where she mentors future leaders across the nation.
Dr. Patton holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Miami, a Master's degree in Reading Education from Nova Southeastern University, and a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Messiah University.
Dr. Patton says she is excited to join Alachua County Public Schools as the interim superintendent and is dedicated to enhancing student achievement and supporting educators.
“I’m very enthusiastic about collaborating with the community to build on the district’s strong foundation,” she said. “I’m looking forward to making a positive impact and guiding Alachua County Public Schools during this important transition.”
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