Candidate: Jonathon Jacob May

Meet Dr. Jonathon May

I believe that when our schools are strong, our communities become stronger! With a proven track record of community and school development, I have the collaborative skills, vision and ethical leadership needed to help move Broward County Public Schools forward. Too often, the zip code in which a child lives determines the quality of that child’s education. I believe that every child should have the opportunity to live up to his or her God given potential with the help of a high quality education. I am the product of a public education that opened a pathway to college and served as the foundation of my success. Today, too many of our students are not prepared for the demands of college or they don’t have access to vocational training programs. This has to change. Now it’s my turn to give back to the teachers and schools that gave me so much; and ensure that all of our children have access to the best education that Broward can offer.

Please join me in this campaign for School Board representing District Three (including parts of Pompano, Oakland Park, Wilton Manors, Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood). Together we can build safer schools; where students don’t have to be afraid and teachers can focus on teaching. Together we can recognize and compensate exceptional teachers and support staff. Together we can rebuild crumbling schools and renovate them to provide for the needs of all students and families. Imagine schools that don’t close at 3pm, but remain open in the evenings and on weekends as community activity centers, healthcare and even mental health care centers. Together we can give our kids this future.

I am a proud resident of Oakland Park, where I reside with my spouse. I have been actively involved in my Neighborhood Association. I worked closely with the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to secure grants for road, bike path and sidewalk improvements. I served on the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Community Services Advisory Board, where I participated in securing over seven million dollars in State and Federal grants for community development needs in Broward County. I currently serve as a Board Member for the South Florida Diversity Council and support many diverse organizations, such as The Pride Center at Equality Park and SunServe. I worked as an administrator and taught at Nova Southeastern University, managing the quality of life for a campus of 30,000. I know what our kids need to be successful in college and how we can prepare them now. With these experiences, I am well prepared to represent the citizens of District Three on the Broward County School Board. I hold a Doctor of Education degree from Nova Southeastern University and my research focus has been on increasing the graduation and success rates of minority students in schools. As a working professional, I am keenly aware of the needs of working families and how we can help them by expanding early childhood education and offering after school programs. I want to make sure that all of our schools are equipped to provide the highest quality education. There was a recent study conducted in Florida that said only 1 in every 92 schools even has a school nurse! We need many more community resources in our schools today, resources like counseling for students and their families, social workers and mentors who can identify when children and families are at risk.

Broward County is facing a period of tremendous growth and change over the next four to eight years. Our schools are going to be tested by population growth, advancing technology and workforce needs. I am committed to working for your children’s best interest; not the lobbyists or special interest groups. If elected as your new School Board Member, my door will always be open. If you would like share ideas or concerns, please email me at jonathon.j.may@gmail.com