Campaign Phone
(813)689-6949
With over 4 decades of service to Hillsborough County Public Schools as a teacher, assistant principal, mentor, and educational leader, I understand our schools from the classroom to district leadership. I continue to mentor new teachers and serve students through MORE HEALTH. As the parent of two HCPS graduates, I will bring experience, integrity, fiscal accountability, and a steadfast commitment to putting students, teachers, and families first.
I will ensure our schools receive every dollar voters approved, including the education share of the Community Investment Tax. I support a financial forensic audit to identify waste, duplication, and questionable contracting practices. I will also advocate for equitable state funding and ensure every dollar is invested where it has the greatest impact on student learning.
Before anything else is considered, we must first protect our non-negotiables: classroom instruction, exceptional teachers, ESE services, school safety, mental health services, early literacy, and all required federal and state programs. Then we ask one question: Does this expenditure improve student learning? If not, we should eliminate waste, duplication, and ineffective programs before making cuts that affect students or classrooms.
To recruit and retain qualified teachers, we must create schools where they can thrive. I will reduce unnecessary paperwork through responsible use of AI, support consistent discipline so classrooms remain safe and orderly, and strengthen mentoring for new teachers through programs like Alternative Certification. Most importantly, teachers should know they have the support of their administrators, parents, and the School Board.
Every student deserves a safe, supportive learning environment. I support secure campuses, consistent discipline, school-based mental health services, and recruiting more school psychologists and other student support professionals to meet growing needs. As the parent of a child with an IEP, I understand firsthand how families navigate the system and will work to ensure every student receives the services and support they need to succeed.
Transparency begins with making information understandable and accessible to the public. I support using clear, easy-to-read dashboards that simplify financial reports, track district performance, and show taxpayers exactly how their dollars are being spent. I also believe the School Board has a responsibility to strengthen public confidence by providing rigorous oversight of the district's budget and ask the tough questions. If a program is not producing measurable benefits, toss it.
Education
Bachelors in Social Work, Masters Social Work, USF
Professional Experience
Embracing Changes Center for Wellness, LLC, Social Worker VA James A Haley, 20 years
Public Service
School Board Member, District 6, Elected 2018 and Re-Elected 2022
Campaign Phone
(813)493-7705
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 35+ years serving children, families, and veterans, I bring mental health expertise and proven leadership. As Chair of the Hillsborough County School Board, I've helped lead the district from a financial deficit and threat of state takeover to fiscal stability, earning an A district rating for the first time in a decade. I lead with accountability, transparency, and a commitment to putting students first.
I will continue advocating with our local, state, and federal leaders for sustainable funding that supports teachers, classroom instruction, school safety, mental health services, and student achievement. I will also ensure every taxpayer dollar is spent responsibly. As a School Board member since 2018, I've helped lead our district from a financial deficit to fiscal stability, proving that strong advocacy and responsible stewardship go hand in hand.
My priority is protecting funding for teachers, classrooms, student safety, mental health, and maintaining our schools. If funding remains limited, I would first reduce nonessential spending, improve operational efficiencies, pursue grants and partnerships, and review administrative costs before cutting student services. Every budget decision should prioritize student success, safety, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
Recruiting and retaining highly qualified, certified teachers starts with competitive pay, affordable workforce housing, and opportunities for professional growth. I will continue advocating for increased teacher salaries, expanded mentorship for new educators, and mental health and wellness supports. Teachers must also feel respected, heard, and included in decisions that affect their classrooms and students.
Student safety is non-negotiable. I support strengthening our school security program to ensure every campus remains safe. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and traumatologist, I bring the voice of mental health to the board and will continue advocating for counselors, social workers, and early intervention services. I also support ensuring students with special needs receive the individualized resources and services they need to succeed.
Transparency begins with open communication and active listening. I provide parents with my phone number and remain accessible during the week, evenings, and weekends because their voices matter. I will continue engaging students, families, educators, and community members before making decisions, ensuring every voice is heard, respected, and reflected through clear communication and accountable leadership.
Education
Robinson High School, Univ of Fla - Education courses USF- Counseling courses No degree
Professional Experience
Founder /Owner Tampa Junction Pre School and Circle C Ranch Academy Past President: South Tampa Chamber, BPW , PTA Coleman, Madison
Public Service
Zoo Tampa, Juvenile Delinquent board, Tampa Theatre, Childrens Board Foster Care
Campaign Phone
(813)817-8429
Serving as School Board Chair in 2018 gave me direct experience with district governance, budgeting and policy oversight. I also oversaw initiatives that resulted in 1.2 M in energy savings, demonstrating operational efficiency. As a business owner and running a for 40 years shows long-term financial management, customer service expertise, and the ability to make ata-driven decisions. Classroom experience with my background as an educator give's me firsthand understanding of teac.
I can attend delegation meetings and speak during public comment. Request one on one meetings with House and Senate members. Provide data on how funding affects our classrooms, transportation and staffing. Share real world stories from teachers parents and principals.
Protect what directly affects students first. Reduce or eliminate what does not.
HVAC reliability (Florida heat makes this non-negotiable.
Roof integrity and leak prevention
Classroom technology needed for instruction
Special Ed supports required by law
Teachers don't leave because of students, they leave because of workload, lack of support and burnout.
Reduce unnecessary paperwork and administrative tasks provide classroom paraprofessionals in high-need grades, ensure reliable HVAC, clean safe classrooms, improve substitute coverage, and give principals flexibility to protect planning time.
Update emergency procedures, Regular safety audits of buildings, improved communication systems between schools and first responders, age-appropriate safety training for students, Reliable HVAC, Secure entry points, functional cameras an intercom system, safe bus loading zones. instant alarms on staff.
Create Clear Accessible Decision-Making processes:
Publish decision timelines on the district web site
Provide plain language summaries or proposals,
Share data dashboards
Post all supporting documents before a vote takes place
Virtual and in person town halls
surveys, School based listening sessions, focus groups.
