New principal appointed for Venice Elementary School

Erin del Castillo to succeed Theresa Baus

Erin del Castillo. Contributed photo
Erin del Castillo. Contributed photo

Sarasota County Superintendent of Schools Lori White has appointed Erin del Castillo as the new principal of Venice Elementary School, effective June 14, the Sarasota County School District has announced.

Del Castillo will succeed Theresa Baus, who retired in December.

With “an extensive background in instruction and administration,” Del Castillo serves as the assistant principal for the elementary school grades at Pine View School in Osprey, a news release says.

She grew up in Ohio and graduated from the College of Mount Saint Joseph in Cincinnati in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in English and communications, the release continues. She earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of West Florida in 2006.

Del Castillo started her career in education as a dual-enrollment and advanced-placement coordinator at Bay High School in Panama City in 2004, the release adds. From 2007-2010, she taught English and reading at North Port High School, where her duties included advising the yearbook staff and serving as an adjunct instructor in the dual-enrollment program, the release notes.

From 2010-15, she was an assistant principal at Riverview High School in Sarasota, with supervisory responsibility for the teen parent program and the English and Reading Department, the release continues.

Laura Kingsley, Sarasota County Schools’ executive director of elementary schools, said in the release that del Castillo will be a very effective leader for Venice Elementary. “Erin brings a wealth of experiences to her new position.” Kingsley added, “She is an incredibly strong instructional leader who understands what children and teachers need to be successful. Venice Elementary School will benefit from her passion for learning.”

Del Castillo and her husband have lived in Florida since 2004, the release notes. They have a 5-year-old son and a 4-year-old daughter.

Venice Elementary School is located at 150 E. Miami Ave. in Venice