Dr. Dana Kriznar began her service to Duval area students in 1986 as a mathematics teacher after graduating from Iowa State University. She taught at John Gorrie Junior High School and then at Mandarin Middle School until 1993, when she entered school administration.
From 1993 to 2001, Dr. Kriznar served as a vice principal and assistant principal at multiple schools. As a first-time principal in 2001, she improved Thomas Jefferson Elementary School from a “C” to an “A” grade in just two years. She then transitioned to Kirby-Smith Middle School (now known as Springfield Middle School), where she again improved the school from a “C” to an “A” grade over three years. Her success in school leadership led to district-level leadership positions, including:
- Executive Director, Multiple Pathways and Support Services (2008-2013)
- Assistant Superintendent, Strategic Planning and Partnerships (2013-2016)
- Chief of Staff (2016-2019)
- Deputy Superintendent (2019-2023)
In May 2023, the Duval County School Board selected Dr. Kriznar to serve as the superintendent of schools for a six-month period while it conducts a national search for the successor to former superintendent, Dr. Diana Greene.
Upon being selected to serve during this interim time, Dr. Kriznar said, “At my core, I am Duval proud and grateful for this opportunity to work with our principals, teachers, and staff in this capacity. When it comes to student success and great schools, so much positive momentum has been generated in recent years, and I will be working with our school leaders to keep that momentum moving in a good direction.”
Dr. Kriznar is married to Brad, a retired Navy Senior Chief and Duval County Public Schools teacher. They have two adult sons, who both graduated from Duval public high schools, and a wonderful dog named Pete.