Alachua County Public Schools Faces Major Shift with Departure of Three Top Financial Leaders
June 23, 2025 – Gainesville, FL — Alachua County Public Schools (ACPS) is undergoing significant changes in its financial leadership as three of the district’s top budget and finance officials have resigned in the weeks leading up to the 2025-26 school year. This sudden departure of key staff has raised questions and concerns within the community and among stakeholders about the district’s financial future.
Resignations Shake Financial Directorate
The resignations involve Assistant Superintendent of Finance Gabrielle Jaremczuk, Director of Budget Deborah Parrish, and Director of Finance Brandon Esposito. Their exits are scheduled just as the district grapples with budget challenges and efforts to stabilize its finances.
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Gabrielle Jaremczuk tendered her resignation in June, with her final day set for July 1. She accepted the role of Chief Financial Officer with Sarasota County Public Schools. Jaremczuk had a relatively brief tenure with ACPS, joining in May 2024 as Chief of Finance before becoming Assistant Superintendent of Finance in December 2024. In her resignation, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve ACPS during a “time of transition and complex challenges.”
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Deborah Parrish, who served as Director of Budget, announced her resignation citing personal reasons. Her last day will be July 10. – Brandon Esposito, Director of Finance, resigned earlier with his final day on May 21. He accepted a new educational role at the University of Florida.
Both Esposito and Parrish listed Jaremczuk as their supervisor, indicating a direct line of leadership among this trio.
Official Statements and Community Reaction
Interim Superintendent Kamela Patton acknowledged the district’s loss, stating, “We are fortunate to have exceptionally talented people working in our district, and it’s clear that other districts and employers recognize their value. They have provided outstanding service to our students and schools, and I am confident they will find continued success wherever they go.”
Despite these reassurances, community members have expressed concern and speculation regarding the mass resignations of finance officials within a compressed timeframe. Some voices in the public forum have questioned whether financial mismanagement or other undisclosed issues influenced the departures. Others have pointed to ongoing budget difficulties that have led to layoffs and significant operational restructuring as possible underlying factors.
Financial Context: Budget Challenges Ahead
These staff changes come on the heels of the School Board of Alachua County’s June 4 workshop, which outlined a challenging budget outlook for the upcoming school year. District staff reported a projected loss of $10.7 million in state funding compared with the previous year, despite an increase of about $4.1 million in local revenue. The district is actively working to address a general fund deficit nearing $20 million.
The financial strain has already impacted staffing and services, with community feedback highlighting concerns about cuts to union positions and other resources, creating additional tension around district leadership and fiscal management.
What’s Next for ACPS Financial Leadership?
With three top financial administrators departing in close succession, ACPS faces the urgent task of filling these critical roles to ensure continuity and stability in managing the district’s budget and financial operations. How new leaders will navigate the fiscal challenges and restore confidence among stakeholders remains to be seen.
The district has yet to announce successors for these positions. Meanwhile, Superintendent Patton’s office has expressed commitment to maintaining transparent communication and working collaboratively with the School Board and community members.
Reporter: Lillian Hamman, Mainstreet Daily News
Contact: [email protected]
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Tags: Alachua County Public Schools, Gabrielle Jaremczuk, Deborah Parrish, Brandon Esposito, School Budget, Financial Leadership, Kamela Patton, Education Administration