Candidate: Laura Gatling-Wright

Greetings! I am thrilled to announce my candidacy for the Citrus County School Board District 2 seat and would like to introduce myself as a passionate advocate for education and a dedicated candidate. As a lifelong resident of Citrus County, I have had the privilege of witnessing the growth and development of our community firsthand. It is with great pride and commitment that I seek to serve and contribute to the betterment of our district through this esteemed position.

With 14 years of experience as a teacher within our Citrus County school system, I understand the challenges and triumphs that educators face on a daily basis. This invaluable perspective has shaped my deep appreciation for the hard work and dedication exhibited by our teachers. If elected, my primary focus will be on supporting and empowering our teachers, ensuring they have the resources, professional development opportunities, and fair compensation they deserve. I firmly believe that by nurturing and retaining exceptional educators, we can foster an environment conducive to student growth and success.

Transparency is crucial in building trust and fostering collaboration between parents, teachers, and the school board. As a parent myself, with two children currently enrolled in the Citrus County school system, I understand the importance of open communication and involvement. If given the opportunity to serve on the school board, I will strive to establish a culture of transparency, providing parents with timely and accurate information, and welcoming their feedback and suggestions. Together, we can create a strong partnership between schools and families, working towards the shared goal of providing the best possible education for our children.

Advocating for student excellence and accountability is at the core of my vision for our district. I firmly believe that every student has unique talents and abilities waiting to be nurtured. I am committed to championing inclusive and diverse learning environments that encourage creativity, critical thinking, and holistic growth. By implementing evidence-based practices and embracing innovative educational approaches, we can ensure that our students receive a well-rounded education, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the 21st century.

As a lifelong resident, a dedicated teacher, and a parent, I bring a multifaceted perspective to the table. My goal is to foster an environment where teachers feel valued, parents are engaged, and students excel. Together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant education system that prepares our children for a bright future. I humbly ask for your support and trust as we embark on this transformative journey together.

Degrees
● Master’s in Ed. Leadership
● BA in Elementary Education

Accolades/Training
● Elementary Education Certified
● Ed. Leadership Certified
● Gifted Endorsed
● Reading Endorsed
● ESOL Endorsed
● Media Specialist PK-12 Certified
● Middle Grades Math 5-9 Certified
● AVID Trained
● Highly Effective Rated Teacher
● CCSB Budget Committee Member
● Safety Patrol Sponsor/Leader
● Science Fair Coordinator
● CCSB Textbook Adoption Committee Member
● Multiple Classroom Grants Recipient (STEM/Literary Enrichment)
● PD Presenter