Laura W. France is a dedicated educational leader who has passionately served as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction since 2016. A proud graduate of the Putnam County School District, she is deeply invested in the community's success and committed to creating an environment where every student can truly thrive. Beginning her career as a middle school science teacher, Mrs. France gained invaluable firsthand experience that continues to shape her leadership today. Throughout her thirty-year journey within the Putnam County School District, she has cultivated a profound understanding of the needs and strengths of its schools. In her current role, she inspires her team to improve academic outcomes, designing and implementing initiatives that promote professional growth, cultivate leadership skills, and drive instructional excellence across all grade levels. As an alumna of the University of Florida, where she earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees, Mrs. France is passionate about fostering a supportive, collaborative environment where every educator can shine. Her leadership embodies a powerful belief: investing in people is the most effective way to uplift student outcomes. Outside of her professional commitments, Mrs. France cherishes time spent with her family. Her work stands as a testament to her enduring love for her community and her unwavering dedication to the students and staff of Putnam County.

Assessment & Accountability | Career & Technical Education | Exceptional Student Education (ESE) | Pre-Kindergarten | Strategic Initiatives/School Improvement | Teaching and Learning

Tonya Whitehurst is a dedicated educator and leader with a lifelong passion for student success. She earned her B.A. in Mathematics in Education from the University of North Florida in 1993, followed by an M.A.T. in Integrated Learning and Educational Technology from Jacksonville University in 2001. In 2006, she furthered her expertise with a degree in Educational Leadership. Tonya began her career as a mathematics teacher in Palatka, FL, serving 11 years in the classroom before becoming a Reading Coach. In 2005, she moved into administration, spending a decade as a school leader before advancing to the district level in 2015. Today, she serves as Assistant Superintendent of Business Operations, where she focuses on creating effective systems of work, strengthening leadership, and ensuring a premier workforce for the district. She has facilitated and spoken at numerous state and national conferences, sharing her experience and commitment to educational excellence. Outside of work, Tonya enjoys traveling with her husband, exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, and spending time with her grandchildren. She is also active in her church, where she is involved with the youth ministry and teaches women’s Bible studies. Whether in education, ministry, or community life, she is guided by a core belief: every day offers an opportunity to make a lasting difference. Her message to educators is simple yet powerful: "There is no other profession that has the ability to impact the future the way education does. Every single day, you have the opportunity to make a difference in a student’s life—and in doing so, you are shaping the future."

Human Resources | Purchasing | Division of Fiscal and Administrative Services | Information Services | Maintenance | School Food Service | Transportation

Sarajean McDaniel serves as the Executive Director of Leadership Development for Putnam County School District. In this role, she is the director of all 13 schools in the district, while also supporting and mentoring school administrators and guiding aspiring leaders. Now in her 30th year with PCSD, Sarajean brings a wealth of experience as a teacher, instructional coach, and elementary school administrator. A former kindergarten teacher at heart, she is passionate about building strong relationships with students, families, staff, and school leaders. In 2020, she was honored as Florida Principal of the Year for her commitment to school improvement and student success. Beyond her daily responsibilities, she has also been involved in the planning and design of new school builds, helping ensure that spaces reflect the needs of students and staff. Sarajean is especially dedicated to fostering positive school cultures where students and educators feel celebrated, supported, and motivated to thrive. Outside of work, she enjoys thrifting, finding creative outlets, and bringing her signature “sparkle” to everything she does.

Communications | School Safety | Student Services

Ashley McCool is the Executive Director of Federal Programs for the Putnam County School District, where she oversees more than $12.6 million in federal funding that supplements instruction and supports initiatives such as homeless education, migrant and ELL services, family & community engagement, K-12 STEM, and 21st Century Community Learning Centers after-school programs. With 28 years of experience in PCSD as a teacher, instructional coach, and school principal, she also previously led the district’s communications work. In that role, she led efforts to complete a district-wide brand refresh and pass a $300 million bond referendum to build safe and modern schools for all students in Putnam County. Ashley holds a BA in Elementary Education from the University of Florida and a MEd in Educational Leadership from the University of North Florida. She is passionate about the power of public education to transform communities. She enjoys traveling with her family, everything Disney, and listening to historical fiction.

Federal Programs

Jonathan L. Odom, a product of Palatka High School class of 2006, is a seasoned financial executive with over seven years of experience in accounting and fiscal management. Earning his Bachelor's Degree in Accounting in 2012 and Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Accounting in 2022, he has developed a strong foundation in business strategy, financial analysis, and leadership.  Jonathan joined the school district in 2014 in the information services department, working in the field for 3 years between Putnam and Saint John's Counties. After a 3 year hiatus to move into the accounting industry, he returned in January of 2020 in the role of Staff Accountant. The following January (2021), he received a promotion to Senior Accountant with direct fiscal management over grants. In August of 2023, Jonathan received a promotion to Chief Financial Officer where he currently manages over $100 million in general fund budgets as well as over another $300 million between bond and special facilities funding.  Jonathan has joined the Florida School Finance Officers Association (FSFOA) and the Florida Association of School Business Officials (FASBO) where he sits on both boards. In 2027, he will be President of FSFOA. He is also eligible to sit for the CPA exam. When not in the office, Jonathan spends time with his wife and three daughters. He is an avid sports fan including season tickets to both the Florida Gators and Jacksonville Jaguars. He also frequents the Blue Ridge mountains for family vacations. 

Fiscal Services

Jonathan Hinke joined the Putnam County School District in 2015 and has been the Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives since 2021. He oversees aspects of district and school improvement including strategic planning, school improvement grants, acceleration pathways, and school choice programs. Prior to this role, he led implementation of the district’s graduation initiative and was successful in helping all of the district’s turnaround schools exit turnaround status. As a district leader, Jonathan collaborates with department directors and supports school administrators to ensure improvement efforts are aligned with the district’s vision and mission. In 2004, he started teaching in a small district in rural Wisconsin, with most of his career spent working in turnaround schools as a teacher, instructional coach, school improvement specialist, and district administrator. Prior to joining Putnam County Schools, he was a teacher and math coach for Duval County Public Schools and worked for the Bureau of School Improvement with the Florida Department of Education. 

Strategic Initiatives/School Improvement