Candidate: Kory Von Leue

For over a decade, Kory has been committed to improving educational experiences for children in Duval County. He is currently pursuing his master’s degree in public policy from the Public Policy Institute at Jacksonville University and a first-grade teacher at S.A. Hull Elementary School. 

This past year he was selected as a LEE Public Leaders Fellow and worked alongside the Jacksonville Public Education Fund to establish their new initiative on the transformative impact of school leaders. Kory has had the privilege of being an integral part of the founding of two KIPP schools, serving as the Founding Principal of KIPP Jacksonville Elementary Upper School, as well as a founding Kindergarten teacher and a Founding Assistant Principal at KIPP VOICE Elementary School. During his time with Teach for America, he taught kindergarten through second grade at Lake Forest Elementary. 

Kory also served as the founding board chair for the TFA Alumni board in Jacksonville. He was vice chair of JCCI Forward. He was a founding facilitator with the Jacksonville Public Education Funds’ ‘One by One’ initiative. 

 Kory studied sociology and political science at Jacksonville University. He is the parent of two boys in Duval County Schools, seventh grader at Fort Caroline and first grader at Lake Lucina. He has been married to his wife for 19 years, who has been an art teacher at Terry Parker, Lake Lucina, and Parkwood Heights. 

Why am I running? 

I am running for school board because I believe that we all benefit when our policy-makers know what it’s like on the ground as educators in diverse communities like ours. 

I believe my experience and unique set of skills are going to be valuable for the upcoming challenges the school district will face. 

One thing has become crystal clear to me as we have closed down our school houses, those with technology challenges are less likely to engage. The school house is an equalizer for access to learning. It breaks down some of the barriers to learning that our most vulnerable students face. Our school houses are the oldest in the state and as a champion for the half cent sales tax, we will build the next generation of school buildings. I have been a founding principal and I have seen what is necessary in a building to facilitate learning and excitement for being at school. Our new schools will be the places for our students to thrive and become the dreams we hope for them and ourselves. 

As an educator, trailblazer, and consensus builder, I’m ready and confident that I can tackle the unique challenges our school district faces.

I am not a career politician or political insider. I am a husband, father, and leader with a passion for education.

I believe that the best work comes when we work together and put our students in the center. 

I believe in the power of great teachers and leaders who work hard and deliver dreams daily. I also believe that competition is a powerful tool that helps us get better. I want a system that collaborates with all stakeholders to make a system that is best for students. I represent the collaborative leadership that will oversee the next level of progress for our schools, as we seek to continuously improve our experience for students.

I want to bring my unique set of skills to the School Board and represent District 1.

Stay Zesty,

Kory Von Leue