Sarasota to debut CEOs in Schools Day of Impact program

Sarasota County Public Schools seeks CEOs to participate in its debut “CEOs in Schools” program.

“Through this initiative, local CEOs and business leaders are invited to spend a day volunteering with a school principal, gaining first-hand insight into the challenges and successes of our public schools,” Harriet Moore, director of strategic engagement for Sarasota County Public Schools, says in an email. 

The initiative, which organizers hope to make an annual event, is designed to help CEOs gain perspective and inspire both educators and students. Business leaders will get insight into “schools’ crucial role in preparing students for future workforce success,” according to a flyer for the program, offered through a partnership with the Education Foundation of Sarasota County.

Officials say the idea came from Hillsborough County, where the school system invited CEOs to elementary schools starting in 2019. There, the initiative “has grown exponentially,” according to Moore.

While Sarasota County is following the model from Hillsborough, Moore says one thing is different. “We are targeting all schools, whereas they are focused on the elementary school,” she says.

CEOs who want to participate can fill out a form online. They will then be invited to a CEO/Principal meet and greet event from 5-6:30 p.m. Nov. 7 at a local restaurant, sponsored by the Education Foundation of Sarasota County.

“At this event, each CEO/Executive will be matched with a school principal, marking the beginning of valuable relationships as they connect and collaborate,” Moore says.

The CEOs in Schools Day of Impact will take place Nov. 21, according to Moore. CEOs will spend either a half-day or a full day volunteering in a school.

“This day allows CEOs and principals to engage in mutual sharing of experiences and ideas,” Moore says, “while providing CEOs an opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the complexities of leading a school.”