Candidate: Lauren Kurnov

I am a Sarasota County native, a parent of two children who attend our public schools, and a professional educator with my Doctorate in Education. As a member of the school board, I will combine our community’s voice with the best educational practices to keep us moving forward.

I moved back to Sarasota seven years ago with my husband and two children and worked at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee as the Assistant Vice President and Director of Student Success. In this role, I spearheaded numerous programs, initiatives, and partnerships that connected students to career opportunities in the area. Most recently, I worked with New College of Florida’s Office of Outreach and Inclusive Excellence and Student Affairs to promote community outreach and student success. I also received my Doctorate of Education in 2021 from the University of South Florida.

As both a parent and an education professional, I am prepared to put my experience to work as an advocate for the schools I grew up in and that my children now attend. On the Sarasota County School Board, I will cut through the noise and do the work needed to engage parents as educational partners, support and retain our teachers, set our students up for successful futures, and keep our public schools among the best in the state. I will use my expertise in connecting students to career opportunities and workforce development to ensure that our local businesses have the talent they need for a bright economic future. Sarasota families, teachers, and students can count on me to put them first — because their priorities are my priorities.