Candidate: Laurence S. Pender

I take pride in the deep roots that my family has in Jackson County. I am a graduate of Marianna High School, Chipola College, Florida State University and Troy University. My wife Kim is a 2nd grade teacher. We have 2 sons, Laurence (a junior in college) and Ike (a senior in high school). I am an active member of Greenwood United Methodist Church and still live in our family home in Greenwood. Growing up in my father’s store and on our farm, I learned the values of hard work and helping others.  Though no longer in the classroom, as a principal, I feel it is my duty to teach children the attributes needed to help make them successful later in life.

With over 30 years of experience as an educator, I have helped improve 9 schools in 3 Florida school districts at all levels (PK-12). I would appreciate the opportunity to return and serve the students, teachers, and parents of Jackson County. With a student-centered approach, I have increased achievement, graduation rates, and school scores while lowering student discipline referrals. I hope this proven success has enabled many of my former students to attend college or enter the workforce with the skills needed to become productive citizens.