Candidate: Kathryn Hensley

My passion and life-long commitment continues to be the future of ALL children and our community. As a former teacher, I firmly believe that without education there are no professions, without education for all there is no sustainable democracy and without appropriate education for each child there are no equitable opportunities. I am a graduate Western Illinois University where I received teaching degrees in secondary English and chemistry. My spouse, a recently retired professor, and I have three St. Lucie educated university graduate children and three granddaughters. Our District enrolls and educates all children and creates the environment each needs to succeed. We have raised the graduation rate(above 80%), lowered the drop-out rate (less than 1%) and created opportunities and pathways into work , military and post-secondary that did not exist in the past. All was done as our economy went into a depression, our finances decreased year after year, our free/reduced lunch rose to 75%, and our diversity grew with more students needing increased levels of service. The success of each student is the focus not the politically driven grading system. AS the focus is on student achievement and the future, I have assisted in the myriad of partnerships that exist in the District. We have agreements with every post-secondary and research organization in our area and beyond as well as business partnerships with local and international companies.The goal is to provide support for our students that answer the needs of our growing community. I have the privilege of being involved with many civic and governmental organizations. Creating coalitions focused of the needs of children is of utmost importance to each child\'s ability to reach his/her highest level of achievement and readiness for the future. I am excited about the potential of our students and St. Lucie County.Please vote for Kathryn Hensley on August 30 to continue the advocacy for ALL children. Current involvement: Children\'s Services Council, Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Council, HANDS free clinic, Early Learning Coalition,Transportation Planning Organizations, Parent Academy, UF/IFAS Council,Business Alliance,Hibiscus Children\'s Center,Kid Care Alliance, the Children\'s Movement,New Horizons,Yubbie Foundation to Prevent Bullying,Indian River Lagoon Science Festival,Greater Florida Consortium of School Boards, Florida School Board Association, Treasure Coast Council of Local Governments, and sub-committees. I also am actively involved in Art Mundo, Backus Gallery, Sunrise Theater, Historical Society,Education Foundation,First United Methodist Church, and others.