SARASOTA COUNTY, June 19, 2018 – Ms. Cynthia Thro has been named the new principal at Atwater Elementary School effective immediately, pending School Board approval. Ms. Thro comes to Sarasota County Schools from Oak Grove Elementary, a Title 1 school in Hillsborough County, where she most recently served as its principal since 2015 and assistant principal since 2007. During her tenure, Ms. Thro has been instrumental in building effective school feeding programs and literacy and curriculum practices that ensure student success.

“I am delighted that Cynthia Thro is the new principal at Atwater Elementary,” noted Todd Bowden, superintendent of Sarasota County Schools. “Her instructional methods that focus on positive outcomes for students in Title 1 schools is impressive, and I am confident she will make a terrific addition to the Atwater school community.”

“I feel incredibly blessed to be principal at Atwater Elementary,” commented Principal Cynthia Thro. “Although a new school comparatively, Atwater has rich traditions such as their HEART PBS program which I intend to foster and grow even more. I am thankful for this opportunity and look forward to collaborating with an incredibly strong administrative team, faculty and school support staff to lead the All-Stars to future success.”

“Ms. Thro is an excellent selection to assume the role of principal at Atwater Elementary,” said Christopher Renouf, executive director of Elementary Schools with Sarasota County Schools. “Cindy is highly qualified and brings a strong background of instructional expertise working in a Title 1 school. She is committed to honoring the school’s traditions, celebrating its successes and expanding upon the excellence that Atwater Elementary School, its stakeholders and community have come to expect.”

Before Oak Grove Elementary, Ms. Thro was a teacher at Broward Elementary in Tampa from 1992 – 2007 and taught kindergarten through third grade, including ELL and ESE inclusion classrooms. She was also the technology specialist and science resource teacher. Ms. Thro earned her master’s degree in 2007 and her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 1992 from the University of South Florida.

Ms. Thro is originally from Venice and continues to have strong ties and family connections throughout Sarasota County.

About Sarasota County Schools
Dedicated to academic excellence, Sarasota County Schools is home to 53 schools, 43,000 students and 5,000 employees. The Sarasota County School District is one of only two Florida school districts to consistently earn an "A" grade since 2004. Learn more:  Sarasota County Schools.