Candidate: Dena Ann Griffith

I am Dena Griffith and I’m running for the District 4 school board seat. I believe that each student and teacher deserve someone to speak for them and listen to them. My husband and I have been residents of Gilchrist county for 40 years. I am a product of Gilchrist county schools, having graduated from Bell High School in 1992. All four of our children graduated from this district and went on to pursue higher education. Some have even returned; our daughter now teaches at Bell Elementary as a 1st grade teacher and our daughter-in-law teaches at Trenton High School.

I have been very involved in our kids’ schooling and community, including:

· 23 years volunteering at BES and BHS

· 22 years subbing for Gilchrist County Schools

· 6 years District Advisory Committee for GCSD

· 2 years School Advisory Committee for BHS

· 10 years as Band Booster President for Bell Purple Powerhouse Band

· 3 years as Christian Education Director for Spring Ridge Church of God

· 15 years teaching Children’s Church and our youth at Spring Ridge Church of God

In my roles of employee and parent I know firsthand the challenges our students and teachers face in our education system. That is why I am committed to advocating for the following:

· Addressing school needs such as upgrading technology, improving facilities, more training for substitutes, and cleaner campuses.

· Teacher incentives to bring more qualified teachers to the area.

· Enhancements to ESE classrooms and playgrounds

· Maintaining a safe campus while having more parent involvement

· Work together to create new disciplinary actions

As a parent of two students with 504 plans I know how important it is to stay involved and have open communication between parents and schools while keeping students and teachers safe. We have great teachers, students, staff, schools, and parents in our county, and I look forward to representing each one as I work together with the School Board to make our schools even better.

Thanks

Dena Griffith

(352) 727-0813