The School Board determines the policies needed to operate and improve the public schools of the District. This includes overseeing all decisions related to both paid and volunteer school personnel, providing adequate instructional materials and technology, ensuring appropriate upkeep of school property, and visiting the schools to observe, give suggestions for improvement, and advise citizens.(Vote for One)
Incumbent
Yes
Education
Trade School/Miami Jr. College
City of Residence
The Villages
I have served on the Sumter County School Board since April 2018, originally appointed by Governor Rick Scott and subsequently elected to two four-year terms. I recognize that serving as an elected official is a 24/7 commitment to the students, parents and residents of Sumter County. I have consistently worked to ensure students receive the best education in the safest possible environment, striving to be the best school board member I can be for the community. Throughout my public service, I have remained committed to serving my constituents with loyalty, transparency, efficiency, and accessibility, always striving to excel in the responsibilities entrusted to me.
Sumter School District has the highest beginning teachers salary in 15 Central Florida Counties. We have a Mentoring Program and a Professional Development Department. We have a ‘Grow Your Own’ Program and have opened our own testing center for teachers certification exams so they do not have to go out of County. Finding ways to reduce teachers workload and continue to stress a strong school and district culture would be icing on the cake for finding highly- efficient teachers.
My constituents know I am always available to listen and respond to their concerns. I will seek input from teachers, parents, staff, students, and community members through conversations, school visits, community events, emails, and public meetings. When concerns are brought to me, I listen carefully, ask questions to fully understand the issue, and ensure concerns are directed through the appropriate channels when they involve day-to-day operations or personnel. As a School Board Member, it is important to understand the distinction between the Board’s governance role and the Superintendent’s responsibility for district administration.
In 2020, I earned the Certified Board Member designation from the Florida School Boards Association. I represent the School Board on: The Sumter County Value Adjustment Board, The Lake-Sumter Metropolitan Planning Organization Board, The Lake-Sumter Transportation Disadvantaged Coordinating Board and the Board of Trustees of the Florida Public Assets for Liquidity Management Investment Trust (FLPalm). I was recently elected to the Mid-Florida Homeless Coalition Board of Trustees for a two-year term, also representing the School Board. In 2020, I started the Sumter Public Schools Supply Drive, an annual event supporting all nine public schools that has generated more than $140,000 in monetary contributions & school supplies.
Incumbent
No
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration & Bachelor of Arts Psychology 1985 Southern Methodist University/ USD Law School 1 yr
Campaign Phone
(727)432-4433
I raised 2 children and attended numerous parent teacher conferences, IEP meetings & after school events. I volunteered as the class art teacher one year and I worked in the used uniform store for several years. I have been Room Mom & Team Mom for the varsity tennis team. My children attended public school, charter school, gifted school, private religious school & Admiral Farragut Academy military prep school (6-12 grade). I have legal and business experience & education. I have a logical mind and a heart for children.
Competitive pay and benefits is how we attract and keep high quality teachers.
There are several ways for school board members to interact with teachers, parents, staff and students. The most common ways to communicate are by attending school events, school board meetings and by propounding and responding to emails.
It is important that parental rights always be respected. Transparent and open communication is always a must. Respecting the proper use of use of taxpayer education funds is imperative. I support the statement from AmericanProgress.org that "The goal of education in America is to provide universal, publicly supported primary and secondary schooling that prepares students for college, careers and civic life while promoting academic achievement and workforce readiness.".
