St. Johns County School District Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

St. Johns County School District has 6 executives leading key functions including information technology, financial management, student support services, and organizational leadership.

Committed to academic excellence, St. Johns County School District fosters a robust learning environment across elementary, middle, and high schools to ensure student success throughout Florida.

Leadership Roles at St. Johns County School District

  • Chief Financial Officer - Michael Degutis
  • President - LaVerne Love
  • President, St Johns Education Association - Dawn Chapman
  • Teacher and President - Debbie Etheredge
  • Chief Information Officer - Bruce Patrou
  • Associate Superintendent for Student Support Services - Kyle Dresback
  • Michael Degutis - Chief Financial Officer

    Michael Degutis, the Chief Financial Officer at St. Johns County School District, manages the fiscal health and budgetary operations of the entire educational organization. Degutis oversees long-term financial planning, ensuring that resources reach elementary, middle, and high schools effectively. By analyzing revenue streams and expenditure patterns, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the economic stability required for sustained academic growth. This leadership role involves presenting detailed financial reports to the board and coordinating with state agencies to secure necessary funding. Michael Degutis implements rigorous auditing processes to guarantee transparency and accountability in all district spending. Through the careful management of capital projects and operational budgets, the Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of facilities and the procurement of essential educational materials. Degutis secures the financial future of the district, allowing educators to focus on student development while maintaining strict adherence to fiscal policies and regulatory requirements.
    Michael Degutis

    LaVerne Love - President

    LaVerne Love, the President at St. Johns County School District, provides executive oversight and strategic direction for the governing body of the educational system. Love facilitates board meetings, ensuring that policy decisions align with the mission of providing high-quality education to all students. By fostering collaboration among board members and district leadership, the President maintains a unified vision for academic progress. This leadership role involves representing the district in public forums and advocating for policies that benefit the local school community. LaVerne Love evaluates the performance of district initiatives, ensuring that goals regarding student achievement and operational efficiency remain the top priority. Through the establishment of clear governance standards, the President guides the district toward long-term success. Love manages the relationship between the community and the school system, ensuring that stakeholder feedback informs the strategic direction of the district while upholding the highest standards of educational excellence.

    Dawn Chapman - President, St Johns Education Association

    Dawn Chapman, the President, St Johns Education Association at St. Johns County School District, represents the interests of educators and staff to ensure professional standards and fair working conditions. Chapman oversees negotiations regarding contracts and benefits, acting as the primary liaison between the teaching workforce and district administration. By advocating for the needs of classroom professionals, the President, St Johns Education Association supports the creation of a positive and sustainable work environment. This leadership role involves organizing professional development opportunities and addressing concerns that impact teacher retention and morale. Dawn Chapman collaborates with district leaders to align labor policies with the broader educational goals of the school system. Through the promotion of open communication and mutual respect, the President, St Johns Education Association fosters a culture of professional excellence. Chapman ensures that the voices of educators remain central to the decision-making process, ultimately enhancing the quality of instruction provided to students.

    Debbie Etheredge - Teacher and President

    Debbie Etheredge, the Teacher and President at St. Johns County School District, balances direct classroom instruction with organizational leadership responsibilities. Etheredge manages the dual demands of teaching students while simultaneously leading professional advocacy efforts within the district. By maintaining a presence in the classroom, the Teacher and President gains firsthand insight into the challenges and successes of the current curriculum. This leadership role involves bridging the gap between daily instructional practice and high-level policy discussions. Debbie Etheredge coordinates with other leaders to implement improvements that directly benefit the learning experience for students across all schools. Through the application of practical classroom experience to administrative decision-making, the Teacher and President ensures that policies remain grounded in reality. Etheredge drives initiatives that support both teacher growth and student achievement, demonstrating a commitment to the holistic success of the educational community while navigating the complexities of the modern school environment.

    Bruce Patrou - Chief Information Officer

    Bruce Patrou, the Chief Information Officer at St. Johns County School District, directs the digital infrastructure and technological integration across all district campuses. Patrou manages the deployment of educational software and hardware, ensuring secure data management for students and faculty. By architecting scalable network solutions, the Chief Information Officer supports modern classroom requirements and administrative efficiency. This leadership role involves coordinating with district stakeholders to implement innovative learning tools that enhance instructional delivery. Bruce Patrou maintains oversight of cybersecurity protocols, protecting sensitive information within the expansive Florida school network. Through the strategic alignment of technology with pedagogical goals, the Chief Information Officer drives digital transformation. Patrou optimizes resource allocation to bridge the gap between complex technical systems and daily classroom needs, ultimately fostering a connected environment that empowers educators and students to achieve higher academic standards across the entire district.

    Kyle Dresback - Associate Superintendent for Student Support Services

    Kyle Dresback, the Associate Superintendent for Student Support Services at St. Johns County School District, directs comprehensive programs designed to enhance student well-being and academic accessibility. Dresback oversees specialized services, including counseling, health initiatives, and intervention strategies for diverse learner populations. By coordinating with school administrators, the Associate Superintendent for Student Support Services ensures that every student receives the necessary resources to thrive within the district. This leadership role involves developing policies that promote inclusive education and emotional health across all grade levels. Kyle Dresback monitors the effectiveness of support programs, adjusting strategies to meet the evolving needs of the student body. Through the integration of community partnerships and internal support frameworks, the Associate Superintendent for Student Support Services fosters a safe and equitable learning environment. Dresback drives initiatives that address barriers to learning, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed in the classroom.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding St. Johns County School District Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads St. Johns County School District?
    St. Johns County School District is led by Michael Degutis (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as LaVerne Love (President) and Dawn Chapman (President, St Johns Education Association).
    Who is part of St. Johns County School District’s executive team?
    The executive team of St. Johns County School District includes leaders such as Michael Degutis (Chief Financial Officer), LaVerne Love (President), Dawn Chapman (President, St Johns Education Association) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does St. Johns County School District have?
    St. Johns County School District has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in St. Johns County School District’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of St. Johns County School District includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, President, President, St Johns Education Association, Teacher and President, Chief Information Officer.