Frederick Heid tapped to lead Polk County school district

Bay News 9 | by Spectrum News Staff | April 28, 2021

The Polk County school district will soon be under new leadership.

School board members have unanimously chosen Frederick Heid as the new superintendent.

The search began last year when Superintendent Jacqueline Byrd announced her retirement.

Heid is currently a superintendent for a community college in Illinois but he has prior education experience in Florida as well.

“I think Polk County is very unique and poised for success and growth,” Heid said.

“It’s a school district ranked in the top seven; growth, economic potential and partnerships are well established in Polk County, I’d like to see that flourish,” he said.

“As a superintendent, it’s exciting because it presents an opportunity to maintain effective programs and services for our students and build on them.”

Spectrum Bay News 9’s Ashonti Ford spoke with Heid 1-on-1 Wednesday. Use the video link above to watch the story.