Turning Around a Failing School District with Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency

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In this episode, Dr. Paul “Paulie” Gavoni sits down with Dr. Rick Surrency, Superintendent of Putnam County Schools in Florida, to explore how one of the lowest-performing districts in the state transformed into a model of success.

When Dr. Surrency took office in 2016, Putnam County Schools faced daunting challenges: a graduation rate under 55%, multiple failing schools, and a community that many considered on the decline. Fast forward to today, and the results speak volumes:

• Graduation rate increased to over 92%
• Every failing school eliminated
• $300+ million secured to rebuild aging campuses
• Recognition as Florida’s Superintendent of the Year (2023)

Dr. Surrency shares the leadership principles, strategies, and hard choices that fueled this turnaround, including how to:

• Align education with real-world opportunities through programs in aviation, advanced manufacturing, and beyond.
• Create systems that reinforce both academic achievement and vocational readiness.
• Rebuild trust and pride in a community once considered a “dying district.”

This conversation goes beyond statistics. It’s about values-driven leadership, equipping students with skills that match their passions, and building schools that serve as engines of hope for families and communities.

🎧 Tune in to hear how bold vision, relentless action, and a commitment to human behavior science can breathe life into a struggling school system.