Priscilla Collins has been named Deputy Superintendent for the Gainesville City School System.
Collins, who joined the Gainesville City School System in 1992 as a 3rd grade teacher at Enota Elementary School, also taught at Centennial Arts Academy before taking on a leadership role in 2003 as Assistant Principal of the newly opened Gainesville Exploration Academy. Collins was promoted to Principal of GEA in 2005 and remained in that role for 10 years before transitioning to the district office to serve as Chief Professional Services Officer in 2015, leading the Human Resources Department.
"Collins leadership has been an asset to our school system for many years and her transition to this position will continue to add value to our team," said Gainesville City Schools Superintendent Jeremy Williams in a statement released Monday afternoon.
Collins will take over the post recently vacated by the retirement of Sarah Bell.
"Upon the retirement of Sarah Bell as deputy superintendent in May, we knew we would need strong leadership and deep understanding of the system as we shifted roles within the district,” said Gainesville City Board of Education Chairman, Andy Stewart. “Mrs. Collins brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this role that makes for a seamless transition.”
Collins said her years in the classroom and as an administrator prepared her for her leadership position with the Human Resources Department.
"One of the primary goals of the Human Resources Department is the recruitment and retention of staff," Collins said. "We are proud of our efforts to recruit a more diverse workforce through our Aspiring Teachers Program which targets current paraprofessionals and graduating seniors. We are also proud of our efforts with recruitment and retention of bus drivers through our referral and longevity incentives.”
As Deputy Superintendent, Collins will continue to lead the Human Resources Department as well as assume responsibilities for Student Affairs, Federal Programs, Research and Evaluation, Elementary Schools and Special Education Departments.
Collins will transition to her new role as Gainesville City Schools Deputy Superintendent on July 1, 2021.
