Candidate: Geri L. Waksler

For more than 20 years, I have served on boards of directors of organizations whose main missions have been schools, children and education. I am running for Charlotte County School Board because I believe my knowledge about our local educational system and my extensive board experience uniquely qualifies me as someone who can immediately begin to make a meaningful impact on our school district. I have been a resident of Charlotte County since 1984. I’ve worked as an attorney in Charlotte County for over 25 years. My husband and I owned Morton’s Ace Hardware for over 30 years. He and our two sons attended and graduated from Charlotte County public schools. I am a graduate of both Leadership Charlotte and Leadership Florida. I received my undergraduate degree from Duke University, a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Miami and a law degree from Stetson University. The many organizations I’ve served have taught me how to work effectively as both a member and a leader of a board. I am a consensus-builder. I have led strategic planning sessions and formulated policy. Most importantly, I have implemented strategies to attain organizational goals. In my view, three issues should be given priority:  Teachers. The district must attract and retain the best teachers by compensating them commensurate with surrounding communities and providing them with the support they need to help our students reach their full potential.  Local Control. I will advocate for greater local control for school districts. Local school districts, not the legislature, know best where money needs to be spent.  Community Connection. A strong connection between the community and the schools must be built and maintained. I will work diligently to formalize programs for educating the community about the School District’s day-to-day activities and for utilizing the abundant talent and experience of Charlotte County’s residents. As a School Board member, I will combine my proven record of leadership in education with my knowledge of this community and its values. I ask for your support and vote. My history of community service: Charlotte Local Education Foundation Board of Directors: 2010-Present, President 2014-2015 Take Stock in Children Mentor: 2008-Present, 4 students Charlotte County Economic Development Partnership Board of Directors 2017-Present Charlotte County Economic Development Partnership Member: 2011-Present Chairman, Golden Apple Teacher and Support Employee of the Year Ceremony: 2017 Co-Chairman 2018 Leadership Florida Annual Meeting United Way Selection Committee: 2017 Government Affairs Committee, Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce: 2016-Present Take Stock in Children Scholarship Selection Committee: 2014, 2015 Leadership Florida: Class of 2015, Statewide Leadership Team: 2016-Present Charlotte County School District Superintendent’s Advisory Committee: 2014-2015 Co-Chairman, Riley Roast Fundraiser benefitting Boys and Girls Clubs of Charlotte County: 2014 Boys and Girls Clubs of Charlotte County Board of Directors, 2006-2014, President 2010-2011 Charlotte Assembly: 1998, 2001, 2013 Project Graduation: 2008, 2012 Chairman, “Do You Believe in Magic” Charity Ball benefitting Boys and Girls Clubs of Charlotte County: 2007 Charlotte County Public Schools Talented and Gifted Advisory Committee: 2002 Co-Chairman, Charlotte County Heart Ball benefitting the American Heart Association: 2000 Charlotte County Chapter, American Heart Association Board of Directors: 1999-2001 Leadership Charlotte, Class of 1998 Co-Founder Charlotte Prep (formerly Charlotte Academy): 1996 Charlotte Academy Board of Directors: 1996-2003