Candidate: Kim Amontree

My name is Kim Amontree, and I'm proud to call Charlotte County my home for the past 32 years. Serving as the District 2 School Board member has been the greatest privilege of my life.  When I ran in 2016, our School District Ranking for student achievement was at its’ lowest point.  Since then, I have worked hard with our dedicated leadership team to fulfill the promises I made to increase student achievement, keep our children safe, and be responsible stewards of tax dollars.

**A Record of Accomplishments:**

During my tenure as a School Board member, we've faced historic challenges, but my focus has never wavered from three core pillars: student achievement, student safety, and fiscal conservatism. This relentless focus has resulted in:

•    The highest graduation rate in Charlotte County Public Schools’ history
•    The highest percentage of students taking and passing college and career acceleration courses.
•   The expansion of workforce education programs such as the Aviation Maintenance FAA Certification
• Historic investments in capital improvements to enhance school safety.
• Recruiting and retaining the highest quality teachers with the second highest pay in the state of Florida.
• The completion of an operational efficiency study.

**State Advocacy:**

During the 2022 and 2023 State Legislative Sessions, I served as the Florida School Board Association Legislative Chair. In this role, I developed a legislative platform to benefit students across the state of Florida. Our advocacy led to historic funding for students, increased salaries for teachers, and funding for new workforce development programs.

**A Commitment to Community:**

Over the last 32 years, I've dedicated my time and energy to giving back to my community. I have served in a leadership position on numerous boards of non-profit organizations, including C.A.R.E., the V.B.A. Community Care Clinic, and the Charlotte Local Education Foundation. Presently, I'm honored to serve as Chair of the Punta Gorda YMCA Community Board. In addition to my Board leadership work, I enjoy working one-on-one with our students. I have served as a Take Stock in Children Mentor and a Coach for the award-winning youth development program Girls on the Run. The best hour of my week is spent with my Reading Buddy, Damian, as a volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

**Educational Background:**

University of Colorado, B.S. Business.

University of South Florida, M.B.A., Concentration in Finance

**Professional Experience:**

I am an experienced business manager with over 25 years working in the banking and medical fields. Alongside my husband, I founded and managed The Center for Digestive and Liver Disorders and Charlotte Surgery Center.

**Award Winning Champion for Children:**

I am incredibly honored to be recognized by philanthropic organizations in our community for my work to improve the lives of children in our community.

2021 – Yellow Rose Recipient (Zonta Club)

2022 – Woman of Distinction (Women United/United Way)

2022 – Champion of Youth (Boys and Girls Club)

**Family Values:**

The most fulfilling role in my life is as a wife and mother. My husband, Jim, a dedicated physician, and I have been happily married for 32 years. We are proud parents to Andrew, Matthew, and Ashley who all graduated from our local high schools.

I want to sincerely thank the citizens of Charlotte County for your support throughout the past seven years. Our accomplishments would not be possible without your commitment to the belief that every student in Charlotte County can succeed.