Judge turns down challenge to Seminole County superintendent hire; contract approved for Serita Beamon

The Seminole County School Board voted Tuesday to approve a contract with Serita Beamon to become the district’s next superintendent.

The vote came after several people spoke during public comment asking for the process to start over.

The board has faced criticism after initially voting for Lake County Schools Administrator Chad Farnsworth to lead the district. At a later meeting, the board rescinded that offer and voted to give the job to Beamon, a longtime Seminole County School Board attorney instead.

A Seminole County mom sued, claiming the board broke its own rules when it switched candidates.

Tuesday, a judge sided with the school board, allowing them to move forward.

Board member Amy Pennock asked to table the vote so that a full review and investigation of the process could take place, but the motion didn’t move forward.

The board ended up voting 4-1 to approve the contract with Beamon.