Candidate: Candace Osteen

My name is Candace Cragg Osteen and I am proudly announcing my candidacy for Bradford County School Board District 4.

For over 30 years, I’ve been a proud resident of Bradford County having attended Southside Elementary, Bradford Middle School, and eventually graduating from Bradford High School in 2001 with High Honors. From there, I became a Cum Laude graduate from the University of North Florida, where I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health, with a minor in Exercise Science. Although my plan was not focused directly on education, I have found that it has been my calling and ultimately a passion of mine.  

With over 10 years of educational experience as a health educator, teacher, coach and now a prevention advocate, I’ve had the opportunity to see our education system through various lenses, ultimately providing me with a skillset that’s valuable and one I believe will only help better the future of our students and school district. On a personal note, I have been married to Michael Osteen for 12 years and have two children, Knox age 4 and Oaklee age 2.

As your next school board member, I can provide a fresh perspective, as well as, one of an educator.  My reputation speaks for itself, as I have always been an advocate for the students and continuously fought for their best interest.  Throughout my experience in the classroom, I have learned the value of communication, mutual respect, and the need for consistency and stability for all students.  

As a parent, I have an even more vested interest in the success of our school district.  My goal as a School Board member would be to stress the importance of teacher retention, fostering student relationships, developing communication and policy change that puts our teachers’ and students’ best interest first.  Providing an environment where teachers, students, and parents feel heard, empowered, supported, and encouraged would lead to building the type of atmosphere we would all be proud of.  

While things have been challenging when it comes to visiting constituents’ door to door, I look forward to meeting each of you in person very soon.  In the meantime, I am available to speak to anyone who has questions via email or phone.  With your support and vote, I am confident that there can be positive change for our school district and I would be honored to serve as your next School Board Member for District 4. 

Every ounce of support matters and I am extremely thankful for the support I've been shown.  I would appreciate your consideration and vote on August 18th.  

Sincerely,

Candace Cragg Osteen

904.703.5445

candacecosteen@gmail.com