TAMPA, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay education community is mourning the loss of one of its former leaders.
Former Hillsborough County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Earl Lennard died on Monday, December 23 after a long battle with an illness. Dr. Lennard was 77.
Dr. Lennard served as Hillsborough County Public Schools' superintendent from 1996 to 2005, according to the school district. He also served a term as the county's elections supervisor before retiring in 2013.
Current Hillsborough County Schools superintendent Jeff Eakins said in a release that he is heartbroken to learn about Dr. Lennard's death.
“His impact on our school district and community was immeasurable. So many educators and citizens have been positively influenced by his incredible leadership and character. It is incumbent on all of us, who were fortunate enough to know him, to carry on his legacy of honor and respect. We will keep his family in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time,” Eakins said in a release.
Dr. Lennard is the namesake of Lennard High School in Ruskin. The school district said his family will share funeral arrangements at a later time.
