Incumbent
No
Education
Masters Degree in Physics, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology; Bachelors Degree in Physics, St. Johns University; Graduate credits from 21 other Universities after the Masters Degree
City of Residence
The Villages
Campaign Phone
8055919129
My career for over 37 years was as a teacher of physics, chemistry, and biology at the high school, university, and graduate school levels. The successes I had in my career are illustrated in that I was named the "South Dakota Teacher of the year," was recognized in the first group to receive the national "Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching," being a finalist twice for the "NASA Teacher in Space Program." Two of my courses were recognized as “Exemplary” by the National Science Teachers Association. I have been instrumental in the organizing committees. I was elected to the Sumter County Library Advisory Board (now the Sumter County Technology Library Advisory Board) of which I am the currently Chairman.
The district must reevaluate current spending priorities and allocate a greater share of tax payer funds to teacher salaries, especially given Florida is lowest in average teacher pay. Competitive compensation is essential for drawing skilled educators and keeping them in our classrooms. Second, the district should develop recruitment and retention programs for veteran teachers, including incentives for experienced educators approaching retirement who bring proven instructional skill and stability to schools. Finally, maintaining strong vocational and academic pathways enhances the district’s appeal to teachers with specialized expertise. Together, these measures strengthen our capacity to recruit and retain the high quality educators.
I will be a sounding board for those who have ideas or concerns they want to share. I will push to have more explanations in the board agendas and in the meeting minutes. I will speak and promote board policies that are consistent with the wants of the parents with respect to adopting curriculum materials and age-appropriate classroom instruction. I have attended almost all of the School Board meetings for the last year and have spoken to educational issues during the three-minutes allowed for citizen comments. My opponent only discusses "congratulations" to recognized individuals but the meeting minutes reflect he has never publicly addressed educational concerns in the comments by school board members.
I believe that the current school board has financial priorities that do not make optimal use of the available funds. I have spoken about it at School Board Meetings and will be attending the Budget Hearings scheduled for later this summer. There are opportunities for the public to learn and get informed about school events, policies, and directions which are not being used that I will work to make functional. Educators need to earn a living wage and adjustments must be made in the budgeting process to accomplish this. Without fiscal conservatism other aspects will be less meaningful.
Incumbent
Yes
Education
Florida State University, Bachelor of Science Degree from the College of Business, with a major in Hospitality Administration and also Professional Golf Management. PGA Professional certifications in General Management, Golf Operations, and Retail Operations
City of Residence
Oxford, Florida
Campaign Phone
352-504-2196
I was elected to the Sumter County School Board in 2014, and since that time working with my fellow board members, the Sumter County School District has consistently been rated as Academically High Performing! Has become safer, cleaner, and more secure than ever. Has the 5th lowest tax rate out of 67 counties in Florida! Is financially “A” rated for fiscal responsibility by Standard & Poor’s.
I grew up in Wildwood, a 2nd generation graduate of Wildwood High School.
I have a vested interest with two children currently attending Sumter County Schools, and married to a very hard working elementary school teacher.
Business background. Oversight of million dollar budgets. Human Resources experience. Capital Project Planning.
Attracting and retaining high-quality teachers requires addressing compensation, professional autonomy, and workplace culture. Effective, actionable measures include creating specialized career ladders for classroom advancement, offering targeted loan forgiveness, providing flexible working conditions for work-life balance, and actively encouraging educators through peer-to-peer collaboration.
Schools need the support of their taxpayers, and communities need schools to be successful in their role of producing dedicated, intelligent, future community leaders.
Being available to all stakeholders improves transparency. School Board meetings are open to the public and welcome input from the community, parents, and students.
I believe students and staff deserve the very best facilities to learn and work in, as well as, student athletes having the best athletic facilities and fields to support team activities. Statistics show that school athletics and team sports have a direct positive impact on students' mental health.
I believe parents and family play a vital role in the success of their child’s education by being involved in every step of the way. I believe in putting the needs of students first and ensuring they have every opportunity to learn in a safe and secure environment.
Continue to promote and grow our Career and Technical Education programs. Equipping individuals for careers is crucial to the economic growth of Florida.
