Dawnyelle Singleton Runs For Sarasota County School Board, District 1

SARASOTA COUNTY, FL — Sarasota County voters will decide who will win the District 1 seat on the Sarasota County School Board.

Two candidates are vying for the role:

• Dawnyelle Singleton
• Bridget Ziegler

Voters will choose the winner in the Aug. 23 primary election.

Patch has asked all candidates to complete a questionnaire about their campaign and their priorities.

Singleton responded to our survey and her responses are posted below:

Campaign website

https://singleton4schoolboard.com

City or town of residence

Sarasota

Office sought

Sarasota County School Board, District 1

Education

Florida State University, BS, communications; Portfolio Center for Art & Design, graphic design

Occupation

Executive assistant, Forty Carrots Family Center

Family

I have a wonderful, supportive family that lives in the area.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Why are you seeking this office?

Being a native of Sarasota and a proud product of the Sarasota County public school system, I understand the value of strong public schools. Quality public school education is crucial to the future of our community. Education is vital for our children, ourselves, and future generations. Serving the children, teachers, staff and families will allow the opportunity for me to continue to give back to this community that raised me.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have always, and will continue to, support public schools. I will support our teachers and strengthen morale for our staff. My opponent, Bridget Ziegler, has been very busy during her 8-year tenure as a school board member, co-founding Moms for Liberty, and appearing on extremist right-wing TV shows. She is not supporting our teachers and has had an instrumental role in the chaos that has occurred at our school board meetings.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Dawnyelle Singleton is committed to fighting for our schools, students, teachers and parents. One area of opportunity is the ESE processes, and we must improve communications, ensure our parents are involved and increase ESE staffing. We must look at ways to reduce class sizes, leading to better instruction and a better learning environment. Our staff deserves it. Our students deserve it. Dawnyelle’s message is clear and to the point…protect public schools, support teachers and parents, and most of all, keep the focus on what is best for our students.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

The importance of community involvement was instilled in me at an early age. My mom was involved in several community organizations and would often take me along with her to meetings during the week, and on the weekends, we would attend luncheons and banquets. Later in life, I realized she was showing me the value of volunteerism, networking and giving back to my community. As a former administrator at Visible Men Academy, I had a front-row seat working with students, parents and community members. My experience there gave me knowledge of the achievement gap, and the joys and challenges involved in Title I education.