Curtis Campogni is running against Dawn Peters for the Pinellas County School Board District 3 seat in the Nov. 3 general election. (Patch Graphics)
PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — Voters in the Nov. 3 general election will decide between incumbent Dawn Peters and challenger Curtis Campogni in the race for the Pinellas County School Board District 3 at-large seat.
They were the top two vote-getters in the Aug. 17 primary, which sent them to the Nov. 3 runoff.
Peters earned about 36 percent of the vote in the primary, while Campogni took home about 35 percent, according to the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections office. A third candidate, Dawn Douglas, earned about 29 percent of the vote.
Because District 3 is an at-large seat, it represents the entire county, which means all Pinellas voters will have a say in this race.
Patch sent a candidate questionnaire to both Campogni and Peters. Below are Campogni's unedited responses.
Name: Curtis Campogni
Office Sought: Pinellas County School Board, District 3 (At-Large)
Political Party Affiliation: No Party Affiliation. The School Board race is nonpartisan.
Age: 32
City or Town of Residence: Safety Harbor
Education: B.A. in Psychology, Baker College
Occupation: Business owner, consultant and trainer specializing in child welfare, juvenile justice and workforce development.
Family Background: I was born and raised in Pinellas County and am the son of a public school teacher. I'm a husband and dad of two children who attend Pinellas County Schools. My wife and I became parents through Florida's foster care system.
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No.
Previous public office, appointive or elective: This is my first time running for elected office.
Why are you seeking this office? Through our journey in the foster care system, my wife and I learned that some of the most important decisions affecting children and families are made by the people who shape policy and oversee the systems serving them. When we dropped our kids off for their first day of school, I decided that if I wanted to help ensure our public schools remain strong for them and for our entire county, I wasn't going to sit on the sidelines. Running for School Board feels like a natural progression after more than 15 years of working with and advocating for young people.
What sets you apart from the other candidates seeking this post? What sets me apart is the combination of perspectives I bring. I'm a current PCS dad, the son of a public school teacher, husband of a social worker, business owner, and youth advocate with more than 15 years of experience working with young people and families, including those involved in foster care and juvenile justice. I've managed programs, worked with government contracts and budgets, and seen firsthand how policy decisions affect the people they're meant to serve. As a first-time candidate, I also bring a new perspective to governance. I'm willing to ask tough questions, challenge the status quo when necessary, listen to the people closest to the work, and evaluate decisions based on one question: Does this help students succeed?
What issues do you intend to address during your campaign? My first priority is supporting teachers: hearing them, empowering them, paying them competitively, and reducing burdens that take them away from quality instruction. Second is strengthening public schools so they remain a strong choice for families and continue serving the entire community. Third is ensuring underserved students, including those facing challenges outside the classroom, have the support and opportunities they need to succeed. My campaign has also addressed school consolidation and closures, responsible budgeting, school safety, student behavior and discipline, testing, enrollment and school choice, workforce development, and the appropriate role of AI and technology in classrooms.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? I went from dropping out of high school and earning my GED to becoming a college graduate and leading state-funded programs serving 145 young people a day. I started my career as a youth care worker in a group home and eventually founded my own business, partnering with organizations in more than 15 states to improve services for young people. I've also served as Florida's state representative for the Southeastern Training Association and currently serve as Vice Chair of the DJJ Circuit 6 Advisory Board. But my greatest accomplishment is being a father. The work I do, the example I set, and the legacy we leave our children will always matter more to me than any professional title.
What is the best advice anyone ever gave you? "You are the only thing in life you can control." You can't control other people, circumstances, or every outcome, but you can control how you respond, how hard you work, and how you treat people. That perspective has stayed with me throughout my life.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions? I'm not a politician. I'm just a dad determined to make a difference for our schools and our county. I want my kids, and every child in Pinellas County, to inherit strong public schools that prepare them for whatever comes next. Regardless of who you vote for, thank you for participating in local elections and, specifically, for taking the time to learn about the people and issues shaping the future of our public schools.