Sarasota County School Board District 1: Jimmy Glover

Age: 56 

Occupation: I am a customer service professional with United Airlines, where I have worked for more than 30 years. I also serve as President of the Board of Star Lab, a nonprofit charter school serving students in Newtown who need intensive literacy support. 

Sarasota County residency: 10 years

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

The School Board's responsibility is to set policy, adopt a responsible budget, hire and evaluate the superintendent, and provide oversight of the district. Its job is to ensure every decision improves student outcomes. The Board should listen to parents, support educators, remain transparent, and always keep students at the center of every decision. 

Why are you running for office? 

I'm running because our schools need calm, focused leadership. I've spent years working alongside students, families, teachers, and community organizations. I've also seen what happens when politics get in the way. I want to bring people together, rebuild trust, and ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed. 

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

No. This is my first campaign for public office. 

Why are you the best candidate?

I bring a combination for executive leadership, nonprofit governance, and direct experience helping students. For more than 30 years with United Airlines, I've led teams, solved problems under pressure, and made decisions that affected thousand of people. As President of the Board at Star Lab, I've worked to improve reading outcomes for students who were falling behind. I know how to build consensus, manage budgets, and lead with respect. Most importantly, I listen before I act. 

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

Yes. My wife is a former Sarasota County teacher, and together we have four children who attended Sarasota County public schools and graduated from Booker High School. 

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

First, improving student achievement, especially early literacy. Every child should be reading proficiently by the end of the third grade. Second, supporting and retaining outstanding teachers and staff. We must create a culture where educators feel respected, heard, and supported. Third, restoring public trust. The Board should operate with transparency, welcome community input, and focus on solving problems instead of creating division. 

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

B. Dr. Connor stepped into a difficult situation and has worked to improve stability within the district. There has been progress, but there is still work to do in improving student outcomes, strengthening communication, and ensuring resources are aligned with classroom needs. The Board's role is to support the superintendent while holding the administration accountable for results. 

What grade would you give the School Board for managing the district's tax dollars, A to F? Why?

C. The district remains financially stable, but many parents, teachers, and staff have raised legitimate concerns about spending priorities. I believe that we need greater transparency, clear financial reporting, and a stronger focus on directing resources into classrooms where they have the greatest impact on students. 

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

I would require greater transparency in budgeting, regularly evaluate administrative spending, and ensure every budget decision can be connected to improved student outcomes. Taxpayer dollars should first support classrooms, teachers, student services, school safety, and academic achievement. 

What would be your priorities if elected?

My priorities are straightforward:

• Improve early literacy and student achievement.
• Support and retain excellent teachers and staff.
• Increase transparency and public engagement. 
• Maintain safe, welcoming schools,
• Ensure responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
• Keep students at the center of every decision.

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

Florida law provides families with school choice, and as a School Board member I will faithfully follow state law. Public schools remain the foundation of our educational system and should be fully supported. I also believe every publicly funded educational option should meet high standards of accountability, transparency, and student achievement. 

How should the Board's "public to be heard" portion of School Board meetings be changed, or not changed at all? Why?

Public participation should be expanded, not restricted. I support returning regular School Board meetings to evening hours so working families have a meaningful opportunity to participate. Every resident deserves to be heard. Listening is on of the Board's most important responsibilities, and our meetings should encourage participation rather than create barriers.