Allen Shirley was raised in Webster, Florida and is a product of the Sumter County School District.  A career educator, with 20+ years of experience, Allen has dedicated his professional life to helping Sumter students realize their own American dream.

 

After graduating from South Sumter High School, Allen attended the University of South Florida where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and his Master’s degree in Educational Leadership.  Allen has experience working in our Sumter County schools as a classroom teacher, elementary, middle, and high school administrator, district-level administrator, and athletic coach.

 

While Principal of Lake Panasoffkee Elementary School, South Sumter Middle School, and South Sumter High School, Allen’s leadership helped guide the schools to improved student achievement and improved state scores.  He believes in empowering parents, supporting teachers, and pushing students to realize their full potential to become productive citizens.  He is a strong believer in the power of Career and Technical Education, as well as high school college access programs, including Career and Technical Dual Enrollment.  His experience and results are proof of this.

 

Allen was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to the Florida High School Athletics Association Board of Directors.  He is a graduate of the Leadership Sumter program sponsored by the Sumter County Chamber of Commerce and the Commissioner of Education's Leadership Academy sponsored by the Florida Department of Education.  Allen served as the Central Region Director for the Florida Association of School Administrators and as a Board Member for the Florida Association of Secondary School Principals.