Candidate: Kathie L. Richard

I was first elected to the board in 2010 and have lived near the Bevilles Corner area of Sumter County since 1997.
My Bachelor’s degree is in Elementary Education K-6 with an ESOL endorsement from Saint Leo University and a background of Cross-Cultural Bi-lingual studies from California State University, San Bernardino. Currently I am kindergarten teacher, Safety Committee member, and Safety Patrol sponsor for my elementary school. I have been working in the education field since 2001 as an on-call substitute, an ELL paraprofessional, and an elementary classroom teacher.
I have served the citizens of Sumter County since 2010 as a board member keeping the district fiscally responsible and our constituents’ tax assessments at or below roll-back. During my tenure we have hardened our schools for the safety of all the students and staff. We pivoted from returning to school face-to-face after spring break to all online; doing the best to meet the needs of our students, families, staff, and community members. Due to the rural nature of some areas of our county we put routers on our buses when we delivered breakfast and lunches to our kids. We used our federal emergency funding to ensure all students had a computer and access to electronic learning, supported by our amazing Sumter County teachers.
My experience as a professional educator since 2001 allows me to understand the teacher and family perspective of the school board procedures, rules, and legislation we have to abide by from the State. I literally walk in a teacher's shoes daily as a kindergarten teacher. As a professional educator serving kindergarten students, I educate them using the standards set forth by the State of Florida as do the teachers in Sumter. My career as an educator and school board member focuses on the education, safety,  and well-being of all students.
My two sons Micah and Troye are proud Sumter County School graduates. Micah graduated from South Sumter High School and is an IT Professional at Jacobs Technology. Troye started his educational career in Sumter County and graduated from South Sumter High School also. He is pursuing his post-secondary education while working as a PE assistant and ELC Caregiver at a local elementary school. I enjoyed being involved in my boys’ school activities and was frequently the "band mom" or Navy JROTC "mom" found volunteering or chaperoning many overnight camps or events. I want to ensure all students have the amazing, safe, and supportive educational environment my sons had completing school in Sumter County.
I can be contacted at KLJoiner@Yahoo.com for election and campaign matters.
School business questions, concerns, or compliments for teachers, staff, and programs please email Kathie.Joiner@sumter.k12.fl.us or call 352-793-2315