Candidate: Travis Akers

My name is Travis Akers and I am running for Duval County Public School Board District 7. I am a proud dad of two Duval County public school students, and the only public school parent in this election. I am married to my beautiful wife, Anna, who I met right here in Jacksonville in 2007 after I made Jacksonville my home in 2004. I hold a Masters in Public Administration from Villanova University and B.A. in Organizational Management. I also studied education at Southeastern Seminary at Wake Forest before joining the Navy after 9/11 (my student teaching semester). I have had the honor of serving our great nation as a Navy Intelligence Officer and combat aircrewman for over 20 years, defending our country with proven success in demanding, senior positions of executive leadership, supporting global operations in the Middle East, Asia, Europe, South America, and right here at home. But now after hanging up my uniform, I am ready to serve my local community, and advocate for teachers, defend public education, and protect children, as a member of your school board.

For years, I have been intimately involved with our local schools as a volunteer, tutor, member of the School Advisory Council (SAC), PTA, and yes, even the “Cougar” mascot for Greenland Pines Elementary School in Mandarin, where my wife also serves as the PTA Vice-President and SAC Secretary.

I am an active member of Deermeadows Baptist Church, where I have the privilege of serving as a children’s ministry leader and member of the personnel committee. I also currently serve on the Mayor’s Military and Veterans Affairs Transition Committee, coach youth soccer for Florida Elite, am a national ambassador for The Laundry Project, Jacksonville Urban League Community and Veterans Advisory Committee, and leadership committee member for the Villanova Alumni Association - Northeast Florida Chapter.

I have a heart and passion for children and I deeply value public education and our teachers. I believe public dollars belong in public schools. I firmly believe it’s time to kick politics out of the classroom and to bring back the basics of learning and ensuring our children have a safe and welcoming place to grow and flourish. And I believe in the power of family-school partnerships. And after speaking with so many of you, I know that you agree.

I have a bold vision for our schools and I believe that we can achieve it together! Learn more at travisakers.com.