Candidate: Steve Lanier

My name is Steve Lanier and I would like to thank you for reading my candidate statement.  I am running for Re-Election as your Superintendent of Schools. 

Elected in November 2020.  It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the great people of Franklin County.  My first four years in office have been highly successful and now it is time to continue our momentum and build on the positives that we have started.  

Are Our Schools Better Off Than We Were Four Years Ago?  

YES, AND HERE ARE SOME REASONS WHY:

• Achieved the highest graduation rate (83%) in our school’s 15 year history. 
• Improved state ranking from #63 in 2019 to #59 in 2023.
• Reduced absentee rate from 42% (one of the highest in state) to 9%. 
• Added Building Trades to our Vocational Programs.
• Established first ever Navy JROTC and Cadet Core with initial enrollment of 15 students that has now increased to 61.  
• Replaced 60% of aging bus fleet with half cent sales tax funds (new buses had not been ordered since 2017).
• Purchased two new maintenance vehicles (which were over 20 years old) and one student transportation van. 
• Replaced 15-year-old basketball, baseball, and softball scoreboards.
• Purchased new school air conditioning systems and chillers and replaced the Field Houses air conditioning system that had been down the last 4 years. 
• Carpet replacement is scheduled in the school for the summer of 2024 (classroom carpet has not been replaced in 16 years).
• Promoted student successes with daily updates on website and Superintendent Facebook page.
• Completed first stages of planning for teacher, law enforcement, and first responder housing on 25 acre school property in Eastpoint. 

Resident of Eastpoint.  Your Superintendent should be an experienced and well-rounded leader who is from and lives in Franklin County and is 100% committed to our community. They must understand the students and families of Franklin County. I am that leader with that experience.  

Hometown Superintendent.  I am proud to be from Franklin County. This is my home, the place where I grew up and attended elementary, middle, and high school.  I graduated from Apalachicola High School in 1976.  My father, Don Lanier, was the owner of Lanier Pharmacy in Apalachicola for 45 years.  My mother, Shirley Taylor has been a resident for 78 years.

27-Year Military Career as an Air Force and Navy Veteran.  After high school, and out of a sense of responsibility and the desire to serve my country, I left Franklin County in 1979 to enlist in the U. S. Air Force.  My goal from day one was to obtain my college degree and to become a commissioned officer.  I went to college and in six years earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Care Administration from Southern Illinois University and an Associate of Arts from the University of Maryland. In 1985, I was commissioned as an officer in the U. S. Navy.

During my military career, I had many leadership positions and was stationed at 12 different duty stations including two tours of overseas duty. No matter my assignment, I always made significant improvements and left the job in a better position.

After 27 years of service to my country, I retired as a senior officer with the rank of Commander and returned to my roots in Franklin County in 2011. I felt that it was time to give back to my community, a place I love. 

Transparency and Open Door Policy. I have an open door policy and I encourage people to reach out to me with questions, concerns, or solutions. I will continue to return your phone calls and reply to your emails.  

Teachers are the Key to Our Success:  Our teachers are the key to a child’s education and a successful school system.  Investing in and supporting our teachers are priorities under my leadership.  

Superintendent Certification.  I am Certified Chief Executive as a Superintendent in the State of Florida.

Community Involvement. I am Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Apalachee Mental Health Center and Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Live Oak Behavioral Health Management in Tallahassee. 

Personal.  I am married to the former Sheila Bradberry of Tallahassee who is a graduate of Florida State University and now retired after having a 35-year career with the State of Florida.  I have two daughters, Ashley and Kelsey, and a stepson, Matt, and five grandchildren.

Four More Years.  It would be an honor to continue to serve my community as your Superintendent for another four years.  This job is about leadership, relationships and working with others. I take pride in my profession and will continue to build community support and work with parents and teachers to ensure our students receive the best education possible. I pledge to continue to serve you with an uncompromising code of integrity and honesty. 

I would greatly appreciate your vote and support as we continue this mission together. 

Thank you,

Steve Lanier