Cyndi Saunders
Retired
Education
Home Region
Calusa
Class
Education Class 7
Special Designation
Lifetime Member
Biography
A native Floridian, Cyndi’s life has been profoundly shaped by public education. Inspired by teachers she encountered in Sumter County schools, she became the first person in her family to graduate from college when she earned a degree from UCF.
Passionate about education, Cyndi became a math teacher, progressed to dean, assistant principal and principal in Marion County before moving to Manatee County in 2013 to become the executive director of secondary schools. In 2015, she was named deputy superintendent of instruction and was sworn in as superintendent in June 2018. During her time in Manatee County, she eliminated all “D” and “F” schools, led the district to its highest state academic ranking ever, and passed a $1M referendum with 69% support. In December 2020, the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations named her the STAR Superintendent of the Year.
Cyndi is married, has a son, and loves RV camping with her grandchildren.
Passionate about education, Cyndi became a math teacher, progressed to dean, assistant principal and principal in Marion County before moving to Manatee County in 2013 to become the executive director of secondary schools. In 2015, she was named deputy superintendent of instruction and was sworn in as superintendent in June 2018. During her time in Manatee County, she eliminated all “D” and “F” schools, led the district to its highest state academic ranking ever, and passed a $1M referendum with 69% support. In December 2020, the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations named her the STAR Superintendent of the Year.
Cyndi is married, has a son, and loves RV camping with her grandchildren.