Sarasota County School Board, District 5: Justin Cody Willis

Name: Justin Cody Willis

Age: 31

Occupation: adult educator and business owner 

Family (spouse/children, ages):married to Christine Willis; children Abagale, 12; Makaela, 12; Raleigh, 10; Jackson, 8; Quentin, 4.

Education: high school diploma graduated from North Port high School,  some college, enrolled to start school for public administration.

Elected government experience: none

  Why are you running for school board?

I am running for school board because it is important to have someone on the board with kids in public schools. With five kids dealing with different priorities, I am walking the walk with the parents in the district.  It is time for a new perspective. 

What do you see as the top three challenges facing the district, and where do you stand on each?

• School security: I support having the local sheriff and police department in our schools. 
• Mental health: I believe that we need to have a school psychologist per thousand students per school. They should be assigned to one school and not shared throughout the county. 
• The superintendent: our current superintendent has created a divide within our schools, staff, and the board. It is time to hold him accountable.  

What is your opinion of the school district’s plan to ultimately set up an in-house police force?

I feel it is a mistake. I believe we need to keep local law enforcement in our schools so our kids and they can build long term relationships that strengthen our overall community.

 Discuss your position on Superintendent Todd Bowden.

He needs to be held accountable for his actions. 

 What is your stance on charter schools?

I want to see charter schools be held at the same standards as public schools, but at the same time I would like to see the school system change in a way that we can limit the need for for-profit charter schools.

What is your position on closing School Avenue on the campus of Sarasota High School?

Safety is important. Closing School Avenue during school hours is a necessity. It should be open outside of school hours.