Legg picks an insider for the deputy position of Pasco schools

LAND O'LAKES — Even before he was tapped to be Pasco County's next superintendent, questions were swirling about whether charter school operator John Legg could upend the district by pushing for more choice at the expense of public education.

On Monday, Legg signaled that while he wanted changes, he had no intention of completely overhauling the system, which has more than 10,000 employees and 80,000 students.

To that end, he appointed Betsy Kuhn, an assistant superintendent under outgoing chief Kurt Browning, as acting superintendent.

“She’s not my assistant,” Legg said of Kuhn. “She stands by me and helps me take our system to the next level.”

Kuhn, 43, is a lawyer by training and first came to the district in 2010 as a supervisor in the employee relations department, which handles contract negotiations and employee discipline. She briefly left the company in 2012 and returned less than a year later as director of employee relations, where she earned a reputation as a tough but fair person.

Shortly thereafter, Browning appointed her assistant superintendent for support services. In this position, she was responsible for areas such as hurricane response, school construction and maintenance, and student transportation.

Legg, who has never worked for the district, said he expects Kuhn to maintain operational stability while working to improve student academic performance. He emphasized that he did not want comprehensive structural change, but rather “gradual changes for the better”.

“She is a phenomenal leader,” Legg said. “The operational side of the district is really outstanding here in Pasco. I couldn’t imagine anyone better to work with me.”

Kuhn, who has children in the school system, said she is excited about the opportunity and looks forward to continuing to work with the people she has worked with over the years. She said it was too early to say much about future plans, noting that the school board still needs to approve her appointment next week.

The announcement was praised by school board member Colleen Beaudoin, who called Kuhn “well-liked and respected.”

“I am pleased about a certain stability in the management team,” said Beaudoin. “She knows the job and this district.”

Jeff Larsen, president of the United School Employees of Pasco, also spoke positively about the move.

“We are most effective when we can work with the district,” Larsen said, expecting a good relationship with the new administration. “We are excited to work with Betsy.”

Legg, who has spent the days since his election visiting schools and departments to prepare for his official takeover, said he expects to make further leadership announcements after Thanksgiving. He praised Browning's team and expected everyone to play a role in his administration.

“That doesn’t mean we’re going to keep everyone in the same seat on the same bus,” Legg added, saying he is assessing each individual’s strengths to determine who is best suited for the future.

Communication remains a key area of ​​concern. Both Legg and Kuhn note that the district needs to improve its efforts. The previous communications director unexpectedly resigned in September after less than a year in office and was not replaced.