Sarasota County School Board District 4: Megan Tennimon

Age: 46

Current occupation: Stay at home mom

How long have you been a resident of Sarasota County? I was born and raised in Sarasota. 

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

The school board sets policy for the school district and maintains the budget. School board members listen to their constituents to determine the best course of action for the district. 

Why are you running for office?

I am a former teacher, mom of three kids who attend Sarasota schools, and a longtime active volunteer and PTO leader. I’m running to give teachers, students, and parents a voice in the decisions that affect them. I want to restore decency, trust, and accountability as well as end the political theater. 

Have you ever run for public office before?

No.

Why are you the best candidate?

As a former teacher and a parent, I know what it’s like to be on both sides of the desk. My leadership roles at various schools have earned me the trust and support of teachers, parents, and students. 

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

All three of my children have always attended public schools. Fruitville Elementary, Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences, McIntosh Middle School, and Sarasota High School. 

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

1. Keep students in our schools. I will work to promote our excellent schools and programs to show our families that they do not need to leave the district for quality education. We have schools and programs to support every type of learner. 

2. Protect public education dollars. I will work with the board and other districts in Florida to ensure better guidelines are provided for the state voucher program to ensure schools that receive vouchers are held to the same standards as our public schools.

3. Restore trust. Many teachers and students do not feel heard or supported. Many parents feel their requests are not honored. I will work with the board to welcome teachers into the discussion. I will work to bring more students into the conversation as well. Finally, I will work with community organizations to help students and parents with additional supportive opportunities. I plan to work with the school to create collaboration across the district to strengthen volunteer and fundraising efforts. 

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

B- Mr. Connor has done a great job strengthening many of our schools and is doing well in strengthening our commutation to families. I would like to see more efforts put into revamping our volunteer training programs as well as inviting more input from the community. (I was pleased to see at the last board meeting that the board is advertising a proposal to the community before voting. I’d love to see more of this).

What grade would you give the school board for managing the district’s tax dollars — A to F … Why?

B. The board and superintendent have to work with the budget from the state. We are not the only distinct facing budget concerns. I am pleased to see that a new policy has been adopted to prevent hiring staff with temporary dollars. I would like to see further discussion regarding the amount of money spent on educational technology programs and determine the value of said programs. 

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

I would like to see teacher feedback fully supported before purchasing new curriculum materials and technology programs. Many teachers report these screen programs take away valuable teaching time. 

What would be your priorities if elected?

Once elected, my priorities will be to restore meeting times to a time that is accessible by teachers, students, and parents. I would also like to rejoin the Florida State School Board Association to learn and collaborate with other districts in Florida. I will also visit each school and determine what staff needs from me as a School Board member. I will be hands-on and approachable. 

What is your position on the state’s school choice laws?

I support the voucher program for students who are not thriving in traditional public school settings. I would like the income cap to be put back on the voucher program as well as a tracking system to accurately know where all dollars are going. Finally, I would like standards set for private schools and homeschool students that are the same standards our public schools follow. 

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

I would like the meetings changed to a time where more community members may attend. I would also like to invite teachers via zoom to join the meetings. There is no perfect time of the day that allows all community members to attend meetings so I’d also like a system set that allows public comment emailed and addressed by board members. We work better when all ideas are shared.