Candidate: Todd Yocum

I am running for Marion County School Board because the students of Marion County deserve someone who can provide stable leadership, common sense, and a vision for the future. For far too long the achievement of our children has been pushed aside while the adults have fallen into petty disagreements and short-sighted decisions. The students of Marion County Schools have suffered as a result. We can do better, and I believe that I am part of the solution to do better for the students of Marion County. 

I am proud to be a resident of Ocala and Marion County. I came to Marion County after growing up and working in the Atlanta area and spending many years out West. I was drawn to Ocala because of the community feel, tremendous potential, and opportunities our community provides.

I have 25 years of experience in education. I have worked as a regular education teacher in both elementary and middle school, a special education teacher of children with autism, and twelve years as a school administrator. I earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a focus on Public School Finance in 2012 from UNLV. 

I went to college, lived, and worked in South Georgia where I developed a love and longing for community. I believe strongly that if you are going to live in a community, you have to serve and contribute to the best of your ability. Marion County hasn’t always been my home, but I’m home now.