Superintendent

Kevin K. Hendrick is an innovative educational leader and gifted communicator with a proven record of improving student achievement, working collaboratively and building cultures of excellence.  
  
Before his appointment in 2022, he served five years as the district’s Associate Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Services. During his leadership, Pinellas County Schools achieved a record-high graduation rate, leading Florida’s largest school districts, and consistently increased academic performance in English Language Arts and Mathematics.  
  
At the height of the pandemic, he spearheaded the district’s transition to remote instruction and developed a plan to ensure computer and internet connectivity for every student. He expanded access to early learning, led effective literacy programs and initiated a program that provides high-achieving students with a personalized path to college success.   

Mr. Hendrick effectively administrated academic components of the district’s Bridging the Gap plan, advocated for Pinellas County Schools growing Hispanic community and facilitated resources that support English learners.  

After taking the helm, Mr. Hendrick hosted nearly a dozen community Listen & Learn Sessions to connect with employees, families and community members and get their input for making Pinellas County Schools better.  

He challenged schools to reignite the student experience and kicked off the district’s first-ever elementary, middle and high school Student Leadership Summits, which gave students opportunities to build their leadership skills, share leadership lessons with their peers and suggest ideas for improving student experiences. 

Focused on re-energizing the district’s Core Values, he launched an employee recognition program called PCS Praise, which gives employees opportunities to recognize and celebrate their colleagues who exemplify the Core Values. 

Background and Education 

Mr. Hendrick is a longtime resident of Pinellas County and a graduate of Largo High School. He started his career in education in 1997 as a teacher at Pinellas Park High School and taught for several years at Dunedin High School. He has been a high school math and social studies teacher, a basketball coach, an assistant principal and an athletic director.  

Mr. Hendrick, who also served as Director of High School Education, was the principal of Northeast High School for nine years. Under his leadership, Northeast High consistently performed at a high level, earning the first A and B grades in the school’s history and receiving national recognition for preparing students for college and careers.  

He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science Education from the University of South Florida and holds two master’s degrees, including a Master of Arts degree in Exercise and Sport Science from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, and a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership from the University of South Florida.  

Awards and Recognition  

In 2016, Mr. Hendrick received the Governor’s Shine Award for his contributions to the field of education. In both 2016 and 2017, Mr. Hendrick won the district’s Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership. In 2017, he was selected as a finalist for the statewide Principal of the Year program. 

In 2022, five months after he was appointed superintendent, Mr. Hendrick was named a Superintendent to Watch by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA). In 2023, Mr. Hendrick received the Leadership Award from the PineApple Report at the Florida School Boards Association Conference. The award recognizes educational leaders for their commitment to children in Florida. 

In 2024, the Tampa Bay Business Journal selected Superintendent Kevin Hendrick for the 2024 Tampa Bay’s Power 100 list. The list reflects the most influential business people and organizational leaders in the Tampa Bay area. Mr. Hendrick was recognized by the Children's Movement of Florida as one of its Bosses for Babies. The honor recognizes business and organization leaders who champion family-focused practices. Later this year, he was also honored as an Outstanding Administrator by the Florida PTA. The award recognizes administrators who are supportive, helpful, and personally involved in the PTA.  

Professional Organizations and Partnerships 

Mr. Hendrick has been actively involved in professional organizations and partnerships, serving as Cadre Leader for Statewide Collaboration for Impact Florida and as a member of the Florida Organization of Instructional Leaders. He has also served on the Mayor’s Education Advisory Group for St. Pete’s Promise, the St. Petersburg Chamber Economic Development Grow Smarter Leadership Alliance, and the Vision and Leadership Council for the LEAP Tampa Bay College Access Network. He has also served in various roles for Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID).