Candidate: Candace Cragg Osteen

It is with gratitude and enthusiasm that I announce my candidacy for re-election as your Bradford County School Board Member for District 4. Four years ago, I took a leap of faith and followed a calling to support and advocate for students and staff across our district.  Over the past term, I have dedicated myself to serving our community with unwavering commitment, advocating for our students, supporting our teachers and staff, and striving for excellence in education.  This job has not always been easy and some very tough decisions had to be made but prioritizing the needs of all students and being fiscally responsible is the most important role of a Board member.

During my tenure, I have dedicated over 100 hours to gaining more knowledge and expertise in school board governance. In February, I officially received the Certified Board Member distinction from the Florida School Board Association, a testament to my commitment to serving our school district well.

My passion for education extends beyond the boardroom and my love for all students is evident in my involvement across our district.  As a Take Stock Mentor, I have had the privilege of guiding and supporting students toward academic success.  I truly believe community and parental engagement play a huge role in a student’s success and I have supported this through my work with Communities in Schools at Bradford High School.  I also volunteer as the enrollment coordinator for our district-wide Food4Kids program which sends food bags home weekly to over 100 families.  I truly believe in making this district better and I am willing to do my part in whatever capacity that may be.

As a former educator and in my ongoing pursuit of lifelong learning, I know the importance of education and preparedness.  I want to continue to learn and grow and I’m currently enrolled in a Master of Education - Educational Leadership program. By furthering my education, I am equipping myself with the necessary tools and knowledge to be our district's best advocate and supporter.

As we look towards the future, I am committed to building upon the progress we have made and to continue working tirelessly to ensure that every student in Bradford County has access to a high-quality education.  As a parent of two Bradford County students, I have a vested interest in creating environments where students can grow and thrive. With your support, I am confident that together, we can create a brighter future for our children and our community.

I humbly ask for your vote in the upcoming election to continue this journey to serve this school district as your School Board Member in District 4.