MCPS interim superintendent names deputy

Ben Whitehouse of Marion County Public Schools talks about the plan for reopening Marion County Public Schools during a meeting on July 7, 2020. [File photo by Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Danielle Brewer is now the official interim superintendent of Marion County Public Schools, taking over for outgoing Superintendent Diane Gullett.

Brewer’s first move after her contract was finalized at the April 29 school board meeting was to appoint Ben Whitehouse as her deputy superintendent.

Whitehouse has been an employee of MCPS for more than 20 years and currently serves as the director of Assessment, Accountability and Research.

His appointment must be approved by the school board before he officially assumes the role of deputy superintendent. No agenda item is yet scheduled for the approval.

Whitehouse is a graduate of Forest High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history and master’s degree at the pro-teach program at the University of Florida.

Brewer will serve in the role of interim superintendent for a year, three months of which will be a “transition period” for her to shadow Gullett.

Gullett will retain control over district operations until the end of her term on July 11. During this time, Brewer will have the opportunity to recommend candidates for any job vacancies in the district.
Brewer will earn a base salary of $169,333 and receive benefits. A successor to become the permanent superintendent must be chosen by April 29, 2026.

In addition to considering internal candidates for the permanent superintendent, the school district will be conducting a nationwide search in the year to come.