Brevard County Public Schools has a Board-Manager organization with a five member board. Each board member is elected by the voters in that district. The Chair for the board is determined by vote of all board members after the election. The Board represents concerns of citizens and parents to the school administration and it represents the needs of the school district and the students back to citizens and parents. The Board determines all policies guiding the Brevard County Public Schools including the budget, the District s goals, major projects, and such long-term considerations as School District development, capital improvement plans, capital financing, and strategic planning. The School Board has some oversight over school curriculum, although the state usually sets content standards they must follow. (The School Board members appoint a superintendent who acts as the District Manager who implements and proposes policies for all public schools.)Qualifications: Resident of district at time of assuming office, registered voterTerm: 4 yearsSalary: $47,203
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Professional Experience
Before beginning my nearly 18-year career in the United States Navy, where I am now completing my final tour before retiring on the Space Coast, I held roles in the mental health field. These experiences and a strong family foundation prepared me for my service. As a counseling intern at Transitions Family Violence Services in Hampton, Virginia, I conducted detailed assessments, led individual and group counseling sessions, and developed safety plans for children impacted by domestic violence. Earlier, as a Counseling Paraprofessional at Back on Track in Atlanta, Georgia, I managed cases for troubled youths aged 7-18, many of whom were at risk of entering alternative school settings. I led c
Public Service
As a first-time school board candidate, I am deeply committed to community involvement, which is essential to our democratic process. My civic engagement includes active participation in School Board meetings and contributing to the District Discipline Work Group, which collaboratively developed the 2024-2025 Code of Conduct to benefit all BPS students. I also engage in District BIPOC and Community Leader meetings, focusing on collaborative resource sharing and idea generation. Mentoring is a key priority for me; I mentor students through Take Stock in Children and Top Teens of America. Additionally, I am involved with the Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Council, volunteer with The Children's Hunger Project, serve
Education
Capella University: Doctor of Philosophy, General Psychology Liberty University: Master of Arts, Professional Counseling Clark Atlanta University: Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
Campaign Phone
321-735-3208
Campaign Mailing Address
P. O. Box 410601 Melbourne FL 32941
Three key issues are school safety, staff recruitment/retention, and growth in student proficiency rates. I support the presence of armed School Resource Officers on our campuses without arming staff. We should enhance physical security and expand mental health services, creating a safer and more supportive environment. For staff recruitment/retention, offering competitive salaries and comprehensive professional learning opportunities is crucial to attract and keep quality educators. Targeted intervention programs and increased teacher support are essential to boost student proficiency rates. Together, these strategies will strengthen the district, ensuring a secure, supportive, and academically successful environment for every student.
I recommend a multifaceted strategy with several key components: Develop targeted, evidence-based programs for marginalized students, with ongoing evaluations to ensure their effectiveness. Enhance teacher training to manage diverse classrooms better and implement differentiated instruction. Facilitate regular communication and workshops for parents to help them effectively support their children's learning at home. Adopt restorative discipline practices to reduce suspensions, particularly for marginalized students who are disproportionately affected. Utilize data analytics to identify and address specific challenges effectively. These collaborative strategies, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to achieve academic success.
The current funding and staffing for students with disabilities in Brevard are inadequate. Last school year, numerous vacancies in teaching and support roles hindered our ability to meet the needs of exceptional education students. Although our current staff is dedicated and works hard to support these students, significant gaps in resources and specialist availability must be addressed. To better support these students, we must advocate for more district, state, and federal funding, enhance specialized training for educators, and hire additional qualified support staff. Investing in these areas will ensure that all students receive the comprehensive support they need to succeed in their educational environments.
To attract and retain qualified teachers in Brevard County Public Schools, I advocate for a strategy focused on competitive compensation, robust professional learning, and a supportive work culture. Initiatives such as signing bonuses and enhanced benefits packages are designed to make our district more appealing to new teachers. Crucially, we aim to retain experienced educators by fostering a collaborative work environment where teachers' feedback influences policy and practice and establishing clear career advancement opportunities. This approach ensures our seasoned educators feel valued and have long-term career prospects while continuous professional growth opportunities keep them at the forefront of educational excellence.
As a person of faith, having chaplains in schools can be beneficial if they contribute to a supportive, trustworthy, and respectful learning environment. However, I am concerned about the challenges that could arise from varying religious beliefs. My support for this program hinges on its ability to serve all students without bias and align with existing support systems. Significant issues are related to ensuring fairness and adherence to the separation of church and state. It is critical that any implementation respects the diverse religious backgrounds of our students and avoids divisiveness. Therefore, I encourage a support system staffed by qualified professionals rather than volunteers to meet all students' needs effectively.
