Sarasota County School Board District 1: Heidi Brandt

Age: 46

Occupation: school volunteer

Sarasota County residency: Full-time for 13 years

Describe, specifically, what you see as the primary role and functions of the school board? 

I view the School Board' s primary role as providing strong, student-centered governance by setting district policy, responsibly managing the budget, hiring and evaluating the Superintendent, and planning for the future of our schools. I believe Board members should listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions, make informed decisions, and always remain accountable to the families and community we serve. Our focus should be on education, not politics, and leading with integrity, fiscal responsibility, transparency, and commitment to helping every student succeed. 

Why are you running for office? 

Public education has always been a part of my life. I was raised by two school educators who taught me the value of education, service, and putting students first. Today, my own daughter attends Sarasota County Public Schools, giving me a personal investment in the success of our schools and our community. 

From the moment we chose public school, I jumped in with both feet. I didn't sit on the sidelines; I got involved. As a volunteer. PTO President, incoming Southside Foundation for the Arts President, and parent, I've spent countless hours working alongside teachers, listening to families, learning our curriculum, and seeing firsthand what's working and where we can do better. 

I believe I bring a unique perspective to the School Board because I'm living the experience every day. I have boots on the ground, ears open to our teachers and parents, and a genuine commitment to helping every student succeed. I'm running because I care deeply about our schools, I believe in the power of public education, and I'm ready to serve our community in an even greater capacity. 

Have you ever run for public office before? If so, for what office? 

I have never run for public office. However, I have been elected to, and served on, numerous boards. 

Why are you the best candidate?

I believe I'm the best candidate because I haven't just talked about supporting our schools, I have lived it. Through years of volunteering, serving as PTO President, working alongside teachers partnering with parents, and advocating for students, I've gained a firsthand understanding of both the strengths of our schools and the opportunities to help make them even better.

I also have spoken up about recognizing that no one Board member has all the answers. Sarasota County School Board is made up of five individuals, and effective leadership requires listening, collaboration, and respectful discussion. There will be disagreements, but I believe, with myself in District 1 seat, we would have healthy debate while remaining focused on our shared mission: providing every student with the best education possible and supporting the teachers who make that mission a reality.

I will always lead with integrity, keep students at the center of every decision, respect the voices of parents and educators, and work collaboratively to move Sarasota County Public Schools forward. 

Do you have (or have you ever) had any children in any public or private elementary, middle, or high school? If so, what school (s)? 

Our daughter, Mia, has been attending Southside Elementary School since she was in kindergarten; she is going into 4th grade for the 2026-2027 school year. 

What are the top three issues facing Sarasota's public schools, and how should they be addressed? 

Keeping the focus on education, not politics. 

Too many negative headlines are sadly distracting from our students' great accomplishments and the incredible job our teachers do educating our students. Our School Board should be focused on improving student achievement, supporting teachers, and making decisions based on what's best for students. Respectful discussion is healthy, but our board should remain focused on education - not political agendas. 

Prioritizing responsible budgeting.

Every dollar should be spent wisely and transparently, with students at the center of every budget decision. We must continue to invest in classroom instruction, support and retain excellent teachers, maintain safe schools, and ensure taxpayers know their dollars are being used responsibly. 

Attracting and retaining students. 

Strong public schools strengthen our entire community. As families have more education choices than ever before, we must continue earning their trust by providing excellent academics, safe learning environments, expanded workforce and career pathways, and opportunities that prepare every student for success. When families choose Sarasota County Public Schools, our students, schools, and community all benefit. We must change the trajectory back to Public Schools being parents' #1 choice. 

What grade would you give Superintendent Terry Connor — A to F... and why?

Based on my experience, conversations and observations, I would currently give Superintendent Terry Connor an A-. He has demonstrated thoughtful leadership, acted decisively when important issues affecting our district arose, and has articulated a strong vision for the future of Sarasota County Public Schools. I also appreciate his commitment to innovation, workforce development, and keeping students at the center of district planning. 

Like any organization, there is always room for continuous improvement, particularly as we navigate enrollment challenges and budget pressure. Also, as someone who has spent years working alongside our teachers, I know how much they give to our students every day. They deserve to have a meaningful voice in the decisions that affect their classrooms, because no one understands the needs of our students better than the educators who are with them every day. 

I look forward to working collaboratively with the Superintendent, my fellow Board members, our teachers, and our community to ensure Sarasota County Public Schools continue to be among the best in Florida. 

What grade would you give the school board for managing the distict's tax dollars — A to F ... Why? 

Grade A- 

I would give the School Board an A- for its management of the district' s tax dollars. Sarasota County Public Schools has earned an "A" district rating for 23 consecutive years, and that kind of sustained success doesn't happen without responsible financial stewardship and a commitment to investing in our students. 

However, as I said previously, there is always room for improvement. As someone who is naturally competitive, I don't think we should ever become comfortable with "good enough." We should continually evaluate whether our budget priorities are producing the best possible outcomes for students. For example, I believe we should take a close look at whether we are investing enough in early literacy, because I strongly believe reading proficiency is foundational to long-term academic success.

Also, we have to learn from past decisions. As our enrollment trends have changed, we need to carefully evaluate long-term financial commitments and ensure every dollar is being spent as effectively as possible. If elected, I look forward to digging into the budget, asking thoughtful questions, and making fiscally responsible decisions that protect taxpayer dollars while keeping students at the center of every investment. 

What would you change to improve the district's fiscal management? 

Before I could recommend specific budget changes, I believe it's important to have access to every line item in the district's finances and understand where every taxpayer dollar is being spent. My approach will be to ask thoughtful questions, evaluate priorities with an open mind, and ensure every expenditure is aligned with improving student outcomes. 

I will always advocate for fiscal responsibility, transparency, and budgeting that prioritizes classroom instruction, supports our teachers, strengthens early literacy, and provides students with the skills they need to succeed after graduation. 

What would be you priorities if elected? 

If elected, my priorities will be centered on helping every student succeed not just in the classroom, but set them up for a bright future. Again to me, that starts with strengthening early literacy. Having a daughter in elementary school, I see the great importance of supporting early literacy programs. I also want to continue improving communication and transparency with parents, teachers, and the community so everyone has a voice and a seat at the the table. When parents are informed, engaged, and involved, their children have the greatest opportunity to succeed.

I will advocate for expanding workforce development opportunities, including career and technical education and nursing pathways, so students graduate with the skills they need for successful careers. Finally, I will remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of school safety and security so every student and educator can learn and work in a safe environment.

What is you position on the state's school choice laws? 

I support giving parents choices because they know their children best, and every student learns differently. Sarasota County is fortunate to offer a wide variety of outstanding education opportunities, from magnet and specialty programs, IB and arts-centered programs, to career and technical education, allowing families to find the best fit for their child.

I also believe the Florida Family Empowerment Scholarship was created with good intentions by expanding educational options for families. However, like any major program, it should be continually evaluated and improved. I would like to see stronger accountability, better tracking of students, and greater transparency. I hope those improvements are parts of future legislative discussion.

My focus as a School Board member will always be working to make Sarasota County Public Schools the #1 choice for families by providing excellent academics, supporting our teachers, ensuring safe schools, and preparing every student for success. 

How should the board's 'public to be heard' part of the school board meetings be changed — or not changed at all? Why? 

The purpose of “Public to be Heard” is to ensure every member of our community has the opportunity to participate in the decisions affecting our schools. I don’t believe there is perfect meeting time because every schedule benefits some families while making it more difficult for others.

As a parent, I’ve experienced both sides. Evening meetings often conflicted with family responsibilities, while morning meetings made it easier for me to attend. At the same time, I recognize that daytime meetings can make participation difficult for teachers, students, and many working families.

I am open to exploring ways to make meetings more accessible, including returning to evening meetings or considering other options that encourage broader public participation. My priority is making sure every voice has the opportunity to be heard.