I have lived in Sarasota County for 30 years, and I own a local Insurance Firm. I was a sales manager for a Fortune 500 technology company with a multi-million dollar budget for 20 years. I graduated from Eckerd College as an adult in 2014 with High Honors in American Studies, so I was a student in academia during the 21st Century. I served as a certified court Mediator for Sarasota County courts where I successfully had a resolution rate of 70%. I know my proven experience in Conflict Resolution will help me navigate the many different viewpoints and controversies I will encounter as a Board Member. I make the best candidate as my attributes are very different than my opponents.
Showing them that they are supported at the District level, and advocate for higher teacher pay. In addition, show them that the Board Members have their back, and will work very hard in reviewing the budget to remove waste so that they feel secure in coming aboard at our school district
We need to implement a marketing initiative that will show parents and parents who are new to Sarasota how great our public schools are. Attract and retain great teachers, keep political agendas out of the School Board Meetings, show parents that our SRO's have created a safe environment for students, teachers, and admin, and ensure the Code of Conduct, Attendance Policy, and Dress Code Policy are being enforce equally among all of the schools in the district. We also need to make the budget more transparent by having detailed line items that fully explain where our money is going and why so that any waste can be cut from the budget.
We need the School Board to be in more agreement and remove political agendas. From that point, a united Board can address many issues to arrive at resolutions that solve problems. I know that my experience as a certified court mediator, and the high level of success I achieved in resolving disputes, I will be able to accomplish that.
Sarasota County School District is A rated, and we have school choice so that regardless of where in Sarasota County you live, parents can decide which public school they would like their child to attend based on their needs, strengths, etc.
I am a former teacher as well as the parent of three children who attend Sarasota County Schools. I have navigated and understand what it is like to be on both sides of the desk. I am an active volunteer for SCS as a classroom volunteer and have held many PTO leadership roles in several schools which earned me the trust of teachers, staff, parents, and students. When my children were young I stayed home with them and worked remotely for my husband's payroll and insurance company, learning skills necessary for dealing with a complicated budget with several line items. I am the only candidate for Seat 4 with this educational, financial, and leadership background which has prepared me to be effective and trustworthy board member.
Teachers need to feel respected, heard, and supported to be quality educators. To retain our quality staff I will work to strengthen communication by providing all staff with my number and tour each school to learn what I can offer as support. Partnering with local universities to offer internships is vital to attract excellent teachers. Students who intern at our local schools usually apply in our district to be teachers and support staff such as counselors and therapists. I have also partnered with a local company who provides quality affordable housing near schools, which benefit staff.
Marketing and promoting our excellent schools to parents and students shows the community we have schools and programs for every type of learner, effectively attracting and keeping students in the district. Making this information easy to understand helps remove the anxiety some feel when transitioning to middle or high school. After learning that the district loses most of its student at the middle school level, I started promoting those schools first. I am working with my team to create materials that highlight the specialties of each school. We are also creating a school research flow chart that allows the parent/guardian and student to pick a school based on the student's goals, interests, and strengths.
The most significant issue facing our district is lack of trust and focus on real, effective policies . Our school board has been plagued by political theater and discussions that create fear, distrust, and division. I will work with the rest of the school board to earn back the trust of our teachers and our community. I will bring empathy and professionalism to the board room and welcome input from our staff and community. The best place to start will be to move meetings to time accessible for all to attend or watch online. I will personally visit all schools to learn what support is needed. I also will work with the board to join the state association of school boards and join other districts to advocate together for Floria schools.
Our district is a district of choice and so deserving of an A rating! Choice is the most positive aspect about Sarasota County Schools. Starting in Kindergarten, families can select schools based on the student's unique interests and needs. SCS offers programs for students with autism, gifted students, art, theater, sports, science, math, technology, even the circus! As the parent of three very different learners, I have experienced how students can thrive when in the right environment.
