Richard M. Surrency, Ed. D.

Meet Dr. Richard Surrency, a native Floridian who grew up in Hawthorne, and has proudly called Putnam County home since 1986. His journey into education began right after high school when he attended Santa Fe Community College and then the University of Florida, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Social Studies. 

 

He became a teacher in 1980 and later returned to school to obtain his Master's Degree in Administration and Supervision, and then his Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. 

 

Dr. Surrency's education career spans an impressive 46 years, encompassing various roles such as paraprofessional, teacher, coach, dean, assistant principal, principal, and superintendent. This personal evolution from a student to an educator is a testament to his lifelong commitment to learning and teaching, a journey that resonates with many in the educational community. 

 

In 2016, Dr. Surrency was elected Superintendent of Putnam County School District. He was awarded the 2023 State of Florida Superintendent of the Year and has led the District to unprecedented success, including:

 

• A 5-year Strategic Plan that focuses on shaping the future by preparing all students for college, career, and life. Staff, students, and community members developed a “Portrait of a Graduate,” highlighting essential character traits and skills transferable to workplace success.

• A Guardian Program developed in partnership with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office to ensure each school has armed security at all times. Currently, there are 11 youth resource deputies from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and 46 PCSD-certified school guardians who are non-teaching PCSD staff in our 13 schools.

• Improved graduation rate that soared from 54.9% in 2015 to 92.5% in 2021- the largest improvement of any school district in the state during that time period. The 2023 graduation rate of 88.9% exceeds the current state average and the district’s pre-pandemic rate of 86.3% in 2019.

• A bold 10-year Revitalization Plan approved by the Putnam County School Board in 2021 that provides all of Putnam County’s deserving students with safe and modern schools. Funding for this plan includes the recent passage of a $300 million dollar bond referendum and special facilities funding from the Florida Department of Education.

• The implementation of STEM and Career and Technical Education Programs in all K-12 classrooms. These programs provide students with skills to succeed in future careers. Eight PCSD elementary schools are designated as WozEd Pathway Schools.

• Ongoing communication & engagement such as monthly Superintendent’s Community Engagement Sessions, quarterly Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council meetings, weekly local radio interviews, and a weekly podcast, The Putnam Pulse, where Dr. Surrency interviews students, staff and community members.

 

Dr. Surrency regularly presents at the state, national, and international stages, where he shares the success of Putnam County School District while collaborating with fellow educators and leaders. His presentation topics include providing STEM education in rural communities, implementing a Guardian Program for school safety, and Leading Through a Crisis. In the summer of 2023, Dr. Surrency was asked to present to over 1200 Florida educators at the FL Department of Education Summer Literacy Conference, where he shared the presentation, "Believe!", which showcased PCSD’s focus on school, district, and community culture. His leadership has greatly improved the perception of Putnam County at the state and national level.

 

For Dr. Surrency, running for re-election isn't just about politics—it's about creating a legacy that will impact generations to come. As John Maxwell said, "My goal is not to live forever, but to create something that does." That's precisely what he aims to do by implementing practices and programs that ensure the continued success of students, staff, and the community.