Two candidates are seeking the votes for Flagler County School Board, District 3. This is a nonpartisan office that will be elected by all voters during the August primary.
News4Jax sent a questionnaire to each candidate asking about their background and their views on several issues. Scroll down to read the responses of those seeking your vote -- in their own words.
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Note: Responses are sorted alphabetically and are presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4Jax staff.
| CANDIDATES |
Derek Barrs
Occupation: >HNTB Corporation, Associate Vice President | Currently
>Florida Highway Patrol, Law Enforcement Chief | Retired in 2020
>Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Sheriff | February 1991 to January 2001
Age: 51
Family: I am a fourth generation Floridian and the proud father of two grown children, Brett (Wife Ali) and Bentley. I am blessed to have been raised by two great parent who instilled in me the importance of treating people the way you want to be treated.
Education: >Bachelor of Science - Public Administration, Flagler College, Saint Augustine, Florida
>Associate of Science - Criminal Justice, North Florida College, Madison, Florida
>FBI Executive Leadership
>Numerous advanced law enforcement and continued education courses
Political experience: I have never held an elected public office
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
>Proactively plan and focus on School Safety and Security
> Work to ensuring every student receives a high-quality education.
>Foster community partnerships and engaging stakeholders, to enhance resources and support for teachers, staff, and administrators in our school district.
Ensuring safe schools is my top priority. When parents, students, and school staff feel secure, they can focus on education and personal growth. My background in law enforcement uniquely equips me to implement effective safety measures that will give peace of mind to our students, parents, teachers, and staff.
I see the potential to influence policies that can greatly benefit students, teachers, staff, and families. Drawing from my extensive background in law enforcement and my experience in executive leadership roles, I bring skills that can contribute significantly to the critical mission of providing top-quality education to our future generations.
Proactively build and maintain partnerships that will be about student success and improving our school district.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
With over 33 years of experience in law enforcement (including being a School Resource Officer) and advancing to the rank of Chief and now working in the private sector. I am a strategic thinker and the positions I have held have shaped me both professionally and personally. I believe these skills and experiences will enable me to be the best school board member I can be for the students, teachers, staff, and citizens of Flagler County. My ability to form lasting relationships and partnerships from nonprofit and private sector to public sector has enabled cooperative problem solving. I am a motivated, disciplined, relationship builder with strong character and a passion for serving our community.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
I decided to run with a commitment to integrity and a practical approach. I aim to ensure Flagler County Schools reach their full potential, fostering an environment where students thrive, and teachers and staff are fully supported. I am dedicated to ensuring our educational system prepares our students for success in their academic and personal endeavors as well as their future lives as they grow to give back to our community.
In running for this position, I seek to be a sensible voice to school board discussions and decisions, aiming to elevate our educational standards and outcomes. Together, we can work towards a school system that serves our community with excellence and build long lasting relationships.
Most importantly to serve with honesty, integrity and high moral character as we prepare each student for success and the future.
Campaign website: derekbarrs4flaglerschools.com
Campaign social media: Instagram | Facebook
Janie Ruddy
Occupation: Director of Professional Learning at n2y
Age: 50
Family: Timothy Ruddy - Husband of 25 years
Daughters - Kyleigh, Jadyn and Lyla Ruddy
Education: Masters Educational Technology
Political experience: None
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
1. Career & College Readiness
Our students should be recruited for direct-to-career opportunities or scholarships. It is the job of our district leaders to help shine that spotlight. Even when Flagler was an ‘A’ school, our students were largely supported with in-county scholarships and opportunities. More can be done to open those doors for our students after high school and motivate students today. Additionally, if our students can graduate with Associates Degrees, we can surely offer more industry certifications for students called to trades.
2. Quality Education for Every Student
I believe we need to increase the strategic collaboration between campuses and district curriculum departments. Through regular review of initiative results, instructional strategies that are working, and increasing curriculum supports for teachers we ensure quality instruction for all students in all classrooms and again earn an ‘A’ rating.
3. Positive Culture & Team Retention
A culture founded on mutual respect, trust, and assumption of positive intent is required for progress to be made. A great culture will establish Flagler County Schools as an organization where experienced educational talent does not want to leave, resulting in a waitlist of applicants who are top in their field for every opening.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
I have over 21 years experience in education. Thirteen years as a classroom teacher and an additional 8 working in educational software and curriculum where I lead a department providing professional development to educators. I have been a Flagler County resident for over 20 years. My two eldest daughters are Flagler County Schools alumni, pursuing studies at the University of Florida. My youngest daughter will begin high school in Flagler County Schools.
Once Colleen Conklin and Cheryl Massaro depart the school board, not one incumbent has any experience as an educator and neither does my fellow candidate for District 3. He not only lacks experience as a classroom educator and what it takes to deliver state approved curriculum to a diverse group of students under the laws placed upon public school teachers, but he has had zero exposure to our school system. He has not had any children attend Flagler Schools as he has resided in Flagler County for just around 3 years. He cannot effectively make the difficult decisions Flagler Schools requires as he lacks not only the skills and experience but also the cultural and institutional knowledge an experienced, long time resident, such as myself can bring to the role. I am day one ready.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
I would consider my tenure as a school board member a success if I could increase the types of industry certifications our students can earn in the trades through a stronger partnership with local businesses, regain the trust of parents so that they feel confident in choosing Flagler Public Schools for their child’s education, and we improve our culture for teachers/support staff increasing retention of talent.
Campaign website: ruddyforschoolboard.com
Campaign social media: Facebook