Brevard Superintendent to Lead EFSC Workforce Education
Dr. Mark Rendell will leave the school district to serve as vice president of workforce education, a move that has prompted questions from a former board member.
By Eric Collins ·
Brevard Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell will leave his post to become the vice president of workforce education at Eastern Florida State College.
School district officials announced the transition on Thursday. At EFSC, Rendell will manage career education initiatives and strengthen ties with local businesses. The college stated his focus will include addressing the Space Coast’s demand for skilled workers in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and technology.
During his time leading Brevard Public Schools, Rendell expanded career and technical education programs. The district now offers 49 programs linked to 83 industry certifications. According to district reports, students earn more than 5,000 industry certifications annually. These credentials prepare students for careers in construction, manufacturing, aerospace, and engineering.
School Board Chair Matt Susin credited Rendell with improving academic performance. The board said the district had previously slipped from an A to a B rating and remained at that level for five years. Susin stated that Rendell built a leadership team that drove the district back to high-performing status. He described Rendell as a steady and dependable leader who holds himself and others to high standards. Susin expressed gratitude for Rendell’s service and wished him well.
EFSC President Dr. Jim Richey praised Rendell for his work in expanding educational opportunities. Richey noted that Rendell’s reputation as a collaborative leader is well established. He said Rendell’s experience in building partnerships will help the college connect students to meaningful careers while assisting local businesses in finding skilled workers.
Rendell said he was humbled and honored by the new role. He described the current moment in Brevard County workforce development as critical and said the region must seize the opportunity.
Former School Board member Jennifer Jenkins questioned the timing of Rendell’s departure in a social media post. She said she voted against his hiring twice and asked how the district hired him while he was under contract. Jenkins also noted that the district had been without a chief financial officer for months and stopped hiring substitute teachers due to a lack of funding. She stated that the board gave Rendell glowing recommendations and a bonus, a move she questioned. Jenkins said she was the only board member who did not give him a glowing recommendation upon hiring and called on residents to seek answers regarding his departure and the district’s finances. The school board plans to appoint an interim superintendent. Rendell will remain in his current role until the departure is finalized.
