Candidate: Andy Dance

Andy Dance is honored to be your current Flagler County School Board, District One board member and is asking for your support for re-election. The Flagler County School District has made great strides during Andy’s six year tenure. Here are a few of the highlights: • The Flagler School District has risen to 12th in the State of Florida, up from 34th in 2009. • For the second consecutive year, US News and World report ranked both high schools in their list of outstanding high schools in the nation • All traditional public elementary schools received “A” grades from the State of Florida • Wadsworth Elementary School is now ranked in the top 3% of all Title One elementary schools state-wide • Flagler leads the state in technology integration and innovative learning experiences • Graduation rates exceed the state average, especially with economically disadvantaged students, where Flagler ranks 11th out of 67 school districts • Following the “Great Recession”, the Flagler School District has emerged a much leaner and efficient governmental agency. Plus, the District finances are strong, with a healthy reserve and a solid financial ranking Not content to rest on past accomplishments, Andy is asking for your support so that we can continue to push Flagler Schools forward and assist each child in reaching their maximum potential. Why re-elect Andy Dance? Because PARENTS make the best school board members. And when you get a parent that is ingrained in the community as a business owner and volunteer, that makes it even better! Andy has his “ear to the ground” in the community as a business owner & volunteer and in the schools as a parent of three public school students. Proven Leadership and Results In the six year period that Andy has been on the Flagler County School Board, the school district has seen marked improvements, as highlighted above. Andy provides fiscally responsible, accountable and transparent leadership: • Only Board Member to vote against the ½ mill property tax increase and special referendum • Consistently communicates with residents via town halls, community events, www.gr8flaglerschools.com website and social media • Andy is a proponent of transparent government. He instituted the first “State of Education” Town Hall address and the inaugural “Connect 2” Citizen’s Academy • Andy is the voice of working parents. Through his public outreach and community involvement, parents know who to call when they have questions and need answers On August 26th, vote for Andy Dance to keep Flagler Schools moving forward. Andy will advocate for: • Increased collaboration – For better communications and parental involvement • Aligning human and capital resources to provide safe, innovative, personalized and exceptional learning experiences for all students • Efficient use of limited operating revenue – Ensuring prudent management of taxpayer funds Background Andy is married to Luci, his wife of 16 years. They have three children, Kayla, Sarah and Drew. They all are proud students in Flagler public schools. Currently, Andy operates his own consulting business, Andrew S. Dance and Associates, LLC, specializing in landscape architecture, land use and land planning, park and playground design, tree protection and tree mitigation, and designs for water conservation. Andy is active volunteer in organizations that directly benefit the children in our community. Andy is a past Director and past Treasurer of the Flagler County Education Foundation(FCEF). FCEF is a direct-support organization of community volunteers committed to generating financial support to enhance the educational programs benefiting our school district. Recently, Andy sat as a jury member for the Take Stock in Children scholarships. Take Stock in Children is a comprehensive program that helps low-income children succeed by providing college and vocational scholarships and volunteer mentors. Due in part to Andy\'s volunteerism in the community and his passion for education in Flagler County, he was appointed by Governor Charlie Crist in 2008, and re-appointed by Governor Rick Scott in 2014, to sit on the Board of Directors for the Early Learning Coalition of Flagler & Volusia. The Early Learning Coalition of Flagler and Volusia (ELCFV) works in conjunction with private, faith-based and public school programs serving children from birth to five years old, serving Flagler & Volusia Counties. ELCFV seeks to assist parents with the goal of increasing their child\'s chances for educational success. A sound education begins with high quality school readiness/ VPK services. The Coalition recognizes that parents are children’s primary first teachers, but also recognizes that by participating in quality school readiness/VPK programs children will be better prepared for school.