Candidate: Sharon A. Demers

My love for education became part of my foundation at an early age. I was about 12 years old when my Mother gave me some important lessons to live by, she said “There are two things no one can ever take away from you: 1. Your name and 2. Your education.\" I became a lifelong learner. Taking college classes one at a time, working full time, being a wife and mother wearing many hats like most do today. I earned what I call a “Blue Collar” MBA from Plymouth State University in 2006 taking one class at a time without student loans. My career path took me into business, working for a quick service restaurant chain. Working my way through management into upper management in the Philadelphia area, responsible for operations throughout Philadelphia and Bucks County. During this career, I worked with teens daily. As the years passed by the teens were less and less prepared for a work environment. Filling out the job application, being on time, understanding the importance of following directions became lessons that needed to be taught on the job. In 2003 I married Bill Demers. Together we have three sons and five wonderful grandchildren. We purchased our Palm Coast home in 2005. Currently I hold a Fl 2-15 insurance license and work as an independent life insurance and Medicare supplement agent. Educational Accomplishments: Masters Business Administration, Finance - 2006 Graduate Small Business Institute - 2006 Certified in Human Resources Practices - 1993 WHY... I am seeking the Flagler County School Board position because I believe in public service. I have the time, talent and tenacity to offer to the Community. I applaud the Flagler Flagship programs\' Classroom to Careers. I am concerned about school safety. School Bus safety, classroom safety, safety of the children and the staff, bullying, preparedness for a tornado, hurricane, or a shooting incident are chief concerns. In today’s economy School Districts are businesses, there is income and expenses. Money needs to be accounted for, tax dollars need to be spent wisely. In the same business model we need to have stellar customer service to attract and keep our children in Flagler County Schools to maintain the relationships with parents and to attract the best of the best teachers and staff. Great schools bring business and growth to the tax base. We will not attract light industry, tech, and medical jobs without great schools. The school district needs the support of a wise and thoughtful board that understands the mission to develop career ready students that will be able to live and work and raise their families in Flagler County. As a Flagler County School Board member I will be part of a team that will work towards these goals.