Candidate: Derek Barrs

Dear Flagler County Citizens, 

My name is Derek Barrs, I am excited to announce my candidacy for the Flagler County School Board, District 3 seat and I am seeking your support and vote in this endeavor. I would like to share with you about myself and my vision for our schools.

I am a fourth generation Floridian and the proud father of two children, Brett, and Bentley who both attended and graduated from Florida’s public-school education system. 

With over 33 years of experience in law enforcement advancing to the rank of chief and now in the private sector, I have held executive-level leadership positions that have shaped me both professionally and personally. I believe these skills and experiences will enable me to contribute significantly to the critical mission of providing the highest quality education to our future generations.

Ensuring safe schools is my top priority. When parents, students, and school staff feel secure, they can focus on education and personal growth. My background in law enforcement uniquely equips me to implement effective safety measures that will give peace of mind to our students, parents, teachers, and staff.

Throughout my career, I have led diverse teams and engaged with stakeholders across various fields from local, state, national, and international levels.  Notably, I led a team of over 300 certified and civilian professionals and managed a multi-million-dollar operational budget. Additionally, I serve on nationwide association boards and volunteer locally in many capacities.

I am passionate about Flagler Co. and committed to providing our students with the highest quality education. I believe my skills and experiences can help equip parents, students, teachers, and staff with the support they need to ensure Flagler Co. nurtures the leaders of tomorrow. 

CAMPAIGN PRIORITIES  
•  Proactively plan and focus on School Safety/Security 
•  Ensuring every student receives a high-quality education.
•  Foster community partnerships and engaging stakeholders, to enhance resources and support for teachers, staff, and administrators in our school district.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
• HNTB Corp., Associate Vice President 
• Florida Highway Patrol, Chief,(retired) 
• Madison Co. Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Sheriff 

EDUCATION
• Bachelor of Science- Public Administration,Flagler College
• Associate of Science- Criminal Justice,North Florida College        
• FBI Executive Leadership Academy 

HONORS AND AWARDS
• Safety First Award,USDOT 
• FL. Department of Transportation Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award
• Distinguished Service Citation from Okaloosa Co.Commission
• Distinguished Service Award, Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency in Juvenile Justice
• Nominee for Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, Florida Attorney General
• Outstanding Community Service from Madison Rotary Club
• School Related Personnel of the Year Award as a School Resource Deputy
• School Resource Officer Practitioner
• Community Service Award,St. Augustine Beach Police Depart.
• Live Saving Award
• Outstanding Alumni of North Florida College
• Freedom Square Award, Chamber of Commerce 

Community/Volunteer Involvement:
• Madison Rotary Club, Treasurer
• Vice President of Madison Co. Athletic Booster Club
• Little League Baseball Coach, Madison/St. Johns Counties
• Offensive Line Coach Madison Co. High School
• American Cancer Society Florida Division Logistics Chair
• Partners for Success, Mentor Program
• Member Anastasia Baptist Church, St. Augustine, Fl
• Vice President, Whisper Ridge Homeowners Association
• St. Augustine Sunrise Rotary Club
• St. Augustine Kiwanis Club
• Take Stock in Children, St. Johns Co. Education Foundation, Mentor Program
• St. Johns Co. School District Advisory Board for ½ Cent Sales Tax
• Rotary Club St. Augustine
• Rotary Club Flagler Beach
• Board of Director–Flagler Co. Sheriff’s Employees Trust 
• Madison Senior Citizens Board
• Flagler Tiger Bay Club 

Current/Previous Professional Memberships:
• FL. Association of School Resource Officers- Board of Directors  
• National Association of School Resource Officers 
• Central FL Domestic Security Task Force 
• Chair Central Florida Domestic Security Task Force Mutual Aid Committee 
• State Law Enforcement Chief Association    
• Let’s Eliminate Aggressive Driving Steering Committee 
• Volusia/Flagler County Police Chiefs Association 
• Columbia County Public Safety Memorial Committee 
• NE Florida Law Enforcement Executive Association 
• Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) 
• Chairman for Operation ROADCHECK,CVSA  
• Jacksonville Transportation Club  
• Concerns of Police Survivors 
• Chairman,Enforcement & Industry Modernization CVSA  
• Southern State Law Enforcement Partners Safe DRIVE initiative.  
• International Association of Chiefs of Police 
• Florida Police Chiefs Association 
• Florida Sheriff’s Association
• Florida Trucking Association
• American Trucking Association Law Enforcement Advisory Board 
• President of Associate Membership CVSA  

Visit: www.derekbarrs4flaglerschools.com