Q&A: Meet Brittany Lyssy, Hillsborough County School Board District 2 Candidate

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Voters in the Nov. 3 general election will decide between Brittany Lyssy and Daniela Simic in the Hillsborough County School Board District 2 seat.

They were the top two vote-getters in the Aug. 17 primary, which sent them to the Nov. 3 runoff.

Simic earned nearly 39 percent of the vote in the primary, while Lyssy took home nearly 37 percent, according to the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections office. A third candidate, Chris Taylor, earned more than 24 percent of the vote.

District 2 represents southern and southwestern portions of Hillsborough County, including areas like South Tampa, Apollo Beach, Riverview, and Gibsonton.

Patch sent a questionnaire to both candidates. Below are Lyssy’s unedited responses.

• Name: Brittany Lyssy
• Office Sought: Hillsborough County School Board, District 2
• Political Party Affiliation: School Board elections are nonpartisan
• Age: 32
• City or Town of Residence: Tampa, Florida
• Education: Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Florida; Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law; currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Policy with a specialization in Education Policy at Liberty University.
• Occupation: Attorney and education policy advocate.
• Family Background: I am a lifelong Floridian, born and raised in Dunnellon. My husband, Doug, and I are raising our three sons, in Hillsborough County. Being a mother has given me an even greater appreciation for the importance of strong schools, supportive teachers, and educational opportunities that prepare children for successful futures.
• Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No
• Previous public office, appointive or elective: I previously served on the City of Tampa Citizens Advisory Budget and Finance Committee. This is my first campaign for elected public office.
• Campaign website and social media:

Website

Facebook

• Why are you seeking this office?

I am running for School Board because, first and foremost, I am a mother who cares deeply about our children's future and our community. Every child deserves access to a quality education that provides a strong foundation in reading, math, and the skills necessary to succeed in life.

I believe our schools should be places where teachers are supported, parents are respected, and students are challenged to reach their full potential. I want to ensure that decisions made by the School Board put students first, strengthen our neighborhood schools, and demonstrate responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

• What sets you apart from the other candidates seeking this post?

My background brings together legal experience, education policy, public finance, and firsthand experience as a parent raising young children in Hillsborough County.

As an attorney and Ph.D. candidate specializing in education policy, I understand the legal and policy frameworks that guide our schools. My previous work with school boards gave me experience in school governance, while my service on Tampa's Budget and Finance Committee gave me insight into fiscal oversight and accountability.

I understand how policy decisions affect classrooms and families, and I'm committed to approaching them thoughtfully and responsibly.

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

My priorities include improving academic achievement, supporting and retaining effective teachers, strengthening parental involvement, and ensuring fiscal accountability.

I am particularly focused on early literacy and mathematics because these foundational skills influence a student's long-term academic success. I also believe students deserve safe, orderly classrooms where teachers can teach and children can learn without unnecessary disruptions.

Additionally, I support expanding career and technical education opportunities so students have multiple pathways to success, whether they choose college, a skilled trade, military service, or direct entry into the workforce.

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

One of my proudest professional accomplishments has been helping develop education policies and working with school boards nationwide. This experience has given me firsthand knowledge of the challenges facing public education and the complexities of school governance.

Serving on the School Board requires more than understanding education. It requires accountability to the electorate, open communication with the community, knowledge of federal and state education laws, sound policymaking, fiscal oversight, and the ability to work collaboratively while holding district leadership accountable.

As an attorney with experience working with school boards, I understand the legal and policy frameworks governing public education. My service on the City of Tampa's Citizens Advisory Budget and Finance Committee strengthened my understanding of public finance and government accountability.

These professional experiences, combined with my perspective as a mother of three children, have prepared me to govern effectively, listen to families, and keep student achievement at the forefront.

• What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Never forget where you came from, and always remember who you are serving. I grew up in a small Florida town where hard work, personal responsibility, and respect for others were important values. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my education, career, and public service.

• Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I believe a strong public education system is essential to Hillsborough County's future. Families should feel confident that their neighborhood public school provides a safe environment, strong academics, and meaningful opportunities for their children.

I support educational choice while also recognizing the importance of maintaining excellent neighborhood public schools. These goals are not mutually exclusive. Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background or educational pathway.

As a mother raising my family here, I take our School Board’s decisions personally. My commitment is to put students first, support great teachers, respect parents, and make responsible decisions that strengthen our schools for generations to come.