Candidate: Erika Booth

I was born and raised in Kissimmee and graduated from St. Cloud High School in 1995. I have two Bachelor’s Degrees from the University of Florida, a Master of Arts degree in Elementary Education from the University of Central Florida, and completed the Education Leadership program at Stetson University. Currently, I am an educator in Osceola Schools, which is where I’ve spent most of my 20+ year professional career. My husband of 20 years Ricky, and I, live in St. Cloud and have 3 children – Nellie (17), Natalie (16), and Thomas (11). All 3 attend our public schools. 

The majority of my career has been in the classroom as an educator in elementary, middle school, and for students with special needs. I also spent several years working for a local not-for-profit, Community Vision, as project manager for the Youth Leadership Osceola and Project OPEN programs. We served at-risk youth and adults in the community. For several years I was the Business Partners in Education Specialist for the Osceola School District where I engaged local businesses in volunteerism and support for our staff and students.

During my career I have receved the following honors:

• Teacher of the Year - Hickory Tree Elementary
• Teacher of the Year - Harmony Community School
• 2014 Top 10 Finalist for the Osceola County School District Teacher of the Year 
• Leadership Osceola graduate, Class of 2015 
• 2018 Kissimmee/Osceola Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Award 
• 2019 Spectrum News 13 A+ Teacher recognition 
• 2020 Osceola County Woman Warrior   

I have served as a State Women’s Leadership Committee Board Member for the Florida Farm Bureau, Bookmark Buddies Mentor, volunteer member of the Silver Spurs Riding Club, and member of PEO Philanthropic Organization. 

I am running to be your next School Board member because I am a mom of 3 children in our schools and an Osceola educator with more than 20 years of experience. My passion is education and as your next School Board member my focus will always be on doing what is best for our kids.

My priorities include:

• Improving academic achievement
• Requiring a sworn law enforcement officer at every school
• Reducing standardized testing
• Protecting the rights of parents in their child's education
• Requiring factual age-approriate curriculum 
• Expanding technical and trade certification opportunities
• Fighting for increased teacher and support staff compensation

Our School District is in need of experienced, educated, proven leaders. I will put our
students over politics and work hard to give them a world class education. I want to
ensure that when my three children, and your children and grandchildren, are grown Osceola County is still a great place to raise a family and chase your dreams. Together we can make a difference for our kids, our teachers, and our community. I would be honored to earn your vote on, or before, August 23rd.