LARGO, Fla. — The Pinellas County School Board has selected a new superintendent to lead the district, as current Superintendent Mike Grego steps down in a few weeks.

Kevin Hendrick was the final choice during a special board meeting held Tuesday. He is the current Pinellas Schools chief academic officer.

There were three finalists and 19 applicants.

For the past two years, Hendrick has led the district through the pandemic, overseeing a hybrid model of remote and in-person learning.

“I’ve lived in Pinellas County for over 35 years, I grew up here, went to school here, and worked here, and to have so many people in your corner has been a real joy,” Hendrick said after the vote.

He said he is already focusing on tomorrow and his first priority.

“Establishing a great culture and climate.  We have on in our district but anytime there’s a transition you really need to make it firm,” he said.

Contract negotiations and the transition process start next month.

Marion County Area Superintendent Ann Hembrook was also a finalist, along with Denver Public Schools Deputy Superintendent Michael Ramirez.

Grego has been superintendent for the past decade.

The new superintendent will face numerous challenges, including parents that are hyper-focused on what is being taught in the classroom, teachers that are burnt-out from two years of the pandemic and students that have seen a spike in disciplinary issues this school year.

Hendrick will take over the superintendent position on July 1, which is also Grego's last day.

The final three candidates were Ann Hembrook, Kevin Hendrick and Michael Ramirez. (TBBJ)