VERO BEACH – The School District of Indian River County (SDIRC) has implemented a comprehensive reorganization plan, resulting in significant cost savings of approximately $1.2 million in administrative salaries for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
Superintendent David Moore is leading this effort to optimize operations, remove unnecessary roles, and improve district efficiency, all while prioritizing educational excellence.
The reorganization, presented to the School Board on June 16, 2025, involves reassigning principals to different schools and eliminating 15 administrative positions, including the assistant superintendent of student affairs, advocacy and access; the director of risk management and employee benefits; and the public information officer. These changes are part of a broader strategy to address overlapping responsibilities and optimize resource allocation.
“We’re trying to create something new,” Superintendent Moore stated during the School Board meeting.
Over the past six years, the district has reduced administrative salaries and benefits by $7.3 million, demonstrating a sustained effort to manage costs responsibly.
The savings come at a critical time as the district faces financial challenges, including the recent failure of a $22.5 million referendum to address rising operational costs.
People in the community have mixed feelings about the changes. Some like the district’s efforts to save money wisely, but others worry and want clear information about how the savings will affect classroom supplies and resources.
As part of the district administration reorganization, some principals are being reassigned:
- Beachland Principal Rachel Finnegan becomes Vero Beach High School principal
- Liberty Magnet School Principal Takeisha Harris becomes director of Human Resources and Risk Management
- Storm Grove Middle School Assistant Principal Demarcus Harris to Storm Grove Middle School principal
- Storm Grove Middle School Principal Christopher Tayler becomes principal of Liberty Magnet School
- Vero Beach High School Assistant Principal Vanessa Gonzalez becomes Beachland Elementary principal
- Vero Beach High School Principal Shawn O’Keefe becomes director of Food Services
Superintendent Moore assures that the changes prioritizes student outcomes and will not compromise educational quality.
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