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Sutherland Elementary principal quits

After nine years at the school, and 14 as a principal in Palm Harbor, her resignation catches parents by surprise.

By NICOLE JOHNSON
Published July 19, 2006

PALM HARBOR - When students at Sutherland Elementary School return to class on Aug. 8, they'll be greeted by a new principal.

Brenda Leasure, who had been head of the school since 1997, has resigned. Leasure plans to retire, said Pinellas County schools spokeswoman Andrea Zahn.

Leasure, 55, could not be reached for comment on Tuesday. Some parents learned of Leasure's departure last week through a telephone call.

Some were surprised. "My husband and I just sort of stared at each other," said Sutherland PTA vice president Jennifer Picardi. "She makes all the kids feel very at ease. She (whoever replaces Leasure) has some very big shoes to fill."

Those closer to Leasure said her departure should come as no shock.

"She's a remarkably caring person," said Nanette Freeman, who has volunteered at the school for more than a decade. "Am I shocked that she would want some time to herself? No. Do I think she deserves every ounce of time she needs to herself? Yes."

Leasure's husband, Thomas Adragna, died in 2003. Freeman said Leasure's retirement plans include returning to her home state of Ohio to care for her mother.

Leasure received an undergraduate degree at West Liberty State Teacher's College in West Virginia.

Before coming to Sutherland Elementary in 1997, Leasure was principal of Palm Harbor Elementary for five years.

The district has been advertising for Leasure's replacement for the past few weeks, Zahn said.

The posting of the job will continue until Thursday. That's when area superintendent Oscar Robinson will compile the candidates and begin working through the interview process, including gathering input from school staff members and parents, Zahn said.

"The goal is to have a principal named prior to school opening," Zahn said.

[Last modified July 18, 2006, 20:51:27]