Ashley McCool serves as the Executive Director of Federal Programs for the Putnam County School District, where she manages all federal grants and funding for supplemental programs across the district, where all 13 schools are Title I. Her work supports a wide range of initiatives, including homeless and migrant education, English Language Learner (ELL) support, family and community engagement, and the district-wide K-12 STEM initiative. She also oversees various federally-funded programs, including the 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) program, which provides after-school and summer learning opportunities.

In addition to her federal programs responsibilities, Ashley leads the Department of Communications, managing public relations and serving as the district liaison to key community stakeholders. Under her leadership, the district successfully completed a branding refresh and the implementation of a Strategic Plan that emphasizes community collaboration and engagement, which continues to shape the district’s vision and growth.

Ashley holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Florida’s ProTeach Program and a master's degree in Educational Leadership from the University of North Florida. With 27 years of experience in PCSD, she has served as a teacher, instructional coach, and administrator at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.

Ashley is passionate about the transformative power of public education to strengthen communities by providing children with the foundation they need to thrive in college, career, and life.

Dr. Kathleen Schofield is a trailblazing leader in STEM education, recognized for her transformative impact on K-12 systems, particularly in rural and underserved communities. As Executive Director of the Northeast Florida Regional STEM2 Hub, she has championed programs that deliver cutting-edge experiences in robotics, coding, drones, and augmented reality to over 75,000 students. Her initiatives focus on creating equitable access and preparing students for 21st-century workforce demands.

With a doctorate in human capital management emphasizing teacher quality and mathematics instruction, Kathleen has a strong academic foundation to drive innovation. Her leadership in Clay County, Florida, saw the successful integration of robotics across 41 schools, a nationally recognized model for STEM transformation. She has secured over $25 million in funding to expand STEM programs, including groundbreaking work with Code.org to enhance computer science education and Intel Math professional development to improve mathematics instruction for rural teachers.

Kathleen is a national and international consultant on STEM learning ecosystems, bringing systemic change through partnerships with corporate, governmental, and educational stakeholders. Her work emphasizes inquiry-based, student-centered learning while building capacity for high-quality STEM programs in schools, afterschool settings, and summer learning initiatives.

Through her visionary leadership and commitment to equity, Dr. Schofield is transforming education to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Her efforts not only prepare students for future challenges but also empower educators to deliver impactful STEM learning experiences, creating pathways to success in rural and urban districts alike.

Dr. Richard Surrency, Superintendent of Putnam County Schools in Florida, is a visionary leader dedicated to fostering excellence and equity in education. With a wealth of experience and a passion for student success, he spearheads initiatives to empower educators and ensure every student thrives.