Gov. Ron DeSantis appoints Mark McQueen as superintendent of Bay District Schools

PANAMA CITY − A new but familiar face will soon lead Bay District Schools.

In a news release on Wednesday afternoon, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced he appointed Mark McQueen as the new superintendent of Bay District Schools. McQueen, the city manager of Panama City, is slated to begin his new role on Aug. 1.

He will replace Bill Husfelt, who has worked as the local superintendent since 2008.

"I'm humbled and honored that he would have the trust and confidence in me to be able to take on this awesome responsibility," McQueen said. "I'm looking forward to giving every level energy that I have ... to lead Bay District Schools."

McQueen has worked as city manager of Panama City since September 2018. He announced his resignation during a City Commission meeting in May. At that time, the idea of applying to be Husfelt's replacement had not even crossed his mind, he said.

Husfelt announced in January that he planned to retire at the end of July, and it was not until about two weeks ago that McQueen applied for the superintendent position.

"When I submitted my resignation as city manager, even though I knew that (Husfelt was retiring), I had not contemplated seeking out the job," McQueen said. "This was not on my radar to consider. But after about a month from my announcement, I had a number of people suggest that I might consider it.

"My wife and I prayed long and hard about it and decided that we would just trust God, and so we did."

McQueen took over as city manager of Panama City about two weeks before the area was leveled by Category 5 Hurricane Michael in October 2018. He transitioned into the role following a 36-year career in the U.S. Army, which he retired from as a major general.

McQueen has a bachelor's degree in business from Auburn University, a master's degree in counseling and human development from Troy University and another master's degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College. He also has attended specialized leadership training courses at The George Washington University, as well as an executive leadership program at Harvard University.

His wife is a retired Bay District School teacher of about 30 years, and both of their children graduated from Mosley High School.

Budget discussions Panama City sets tentative millage rate for 2023-24. It's the same as the current rate.

The Panama City Commission will hold a special meeting Monday morning to appoint an interim city manager as officials continue to search for McQueen's full-time replacement.

"I don't think there was any superintendent who was challenged more over the last five years than Bill Husfelt, and he's led with distinction," McQueen said. "I've got large shoes to fill, but in that, I'm looking forward to casting a vision for the school system.

"At the tip of the spear are our teachers ... (and) I'm going to be looking at everything that we can do to help equip, resource and enable our teachers to be effective at helping our kids achieve the best education that can."

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Panama City Manager Mark McQueen chosen as Bay schools superintendent