Workforce college works in new leader

SARASOTA — Sarasota County Schools appointed longtime education official Ronald DiPillo to oversee Suncoast Technical College, one of the region's leading schools for workforce training, trades and manufacturing-related jobs.

DiPillo, 50, was appointed to succeed Todd Bowden as the districts' executive director of career, technical and adult education, according to a statement. Pending official approval from the Sarasota School Board, DiPillo will assume his new duties Jan. 4. Bowden was recently named superintendent, replacing Lori White who is scheduled to retire March 1.

In addition to Suncoast Technical College, DiPillo will also oversee career and technical education programs in elementary, middle and high schools, the release states. Other programs and schools under DiPillo include the Adult and Community Enrichment Program; Suncoast Polytechnical High School; and Sarasota Virtual Academy.

An Ohio native, DiPillo was an assistant principal at Venice High School from 2004-2010 and was principal at Oak Park School for students with disabilities from 2010-2013. He was most recently assistant director of career technical education programs for students in grades K-12.

DiPillo also taught mathematics at Venice High and was an adjunct professor of mathematics at Manatee Community College.

"Our career, technical, and adult education programs hold a very special place in my heart,” says Bowden in the statement. “I take great satisfaction knowing that they have been entrusted to DiPillo. His experience as a principal and district level leader will serve him well in this new role.”