Candidate: David Thompson

Holding public office is a sacred trust. Our children and our schools are the future of this country and our community. I have dedicated my entire adult life to service, first as a United States Marine and then as a law enforcement professional. I have also contributed my time and resources to making Florida and our community an exceptional place to live and raise a family. 

Under my leadership, Indian River County will have safe schools, we will value our educators and support staff, and we will ensure that each student has the opportunity to succeed through student centered learning. We will accomplish this in a fiscally responsible manner, prioritizing our spending with complete transparency.  These guiding principles will lead the Indian River County School District to the forefront of public schools as a high performing school district! 

Safe Schools

With the violence that has plagued our country, I am the only candidate with direct experience in school safety. From 32 years as a law enforcement professional and as a safety and security consultant, I have direct experience in school threat mitigation, access control, and audio/visual surveillance systems.  Additionally, I have substantial knowledge and experience in emergency management, intergovernmental relationships and school resource officer programs. Safe Schools require cooperation and collaboration between the school district, law enforcement, fire rescue and the community. 

Valued Educators and Staff

Educators and staff are vital to the educational system and should be held in the highest regard. In order to become Florida’s preeminent school district, we must recruit and retain the best and brightest educators. Educators and staff must be treated with respect, involved in decision making and compensated appropriately. In 2008, I was honored to be appointed and confirmed by the Florida Senate as a Commissioner with the Florida Department of Education’s Education Practices Commission.  I ascended to the Chair of the Commission serving two four-year terms. In 2017, I was appointed as the Commission’s first Law Enforcement Emeritus member.  Through my service on the Commission, I was able to work alongside educators and school administrators statewide ensuring the integrity of Florida’s educational system. 

Student Centered Learning

Focus the learning needs, interests, aspirations and cultural backgrounds of the student, we must find ways to support individuals who learn in their own unique ways. Education must be adaptable and fluid so that each student has the opportunity to learn and grow. I have had the honor and privilege to educate people of all ages in topics ranging from personal safety, active shooter response and prevention of child abuse and neglect. I am also an adjunct faculty member at Indian River State College where I teach in the Public Administration Program. 

Working together under these guiding principles, we will achieve safe schools, attract and retain Florida’s brightest educators and educate our children resulting in a high-performance school district.