Citrus County School Board Member Thomas Kennedy Elected FSBA President
Tampa, FL – Citrus County School Board Member Thomas Kennedy has been elected President of the Florida School Boards Association (FSBA), the statewide organization representing school boards across the state. Kennedy was sworn in with FSBA Executive Officers, during the Thursday June 9th General Membership Meeting at the 2022 FSBA/FADSS Annual Summer Conference, along with three other school board members. Tina Certain (Alachua) will serve as President-Elect, while Terry Castillo (Osceola) will serve as Vice President and Elizabeth Andersen (Duval) will serve as Treasurer.
In addition to these four officers, Chris Patricca (Lee) having served as President last year will serve as Immediate Past President. The 2022-2023 Executive Officers will lead the Association’s effort in meeting its mission to increase student achievement through the development of effective school board leadership and advocacy for public education.
“Thomas is the perfect leader to move FSBA forward,” said Andrea Messina, CEO of Florida School Boards Association. “He is proactive and knowledgeable, understands the importance of effective advocacy, encourages a balanced and bi-partisan perspective, collaborates with parents, families, and community, and is passionate about Florida public education. We are excited to see his leadership team in action.”
“Florida’s educational system is recognized nationally as a successful model,” said Thomas Kennedy, FSBA’s newly elected President. “We will continue to provide top academic opportunities for our students. It is vital that we expand the Career & Technical/workforce education programs in our schools as they are so beneficial to direct-to-career students as well as college-bound students. These programs positively impact our students’ lives and fill essential job needs in our communities and state. As Florida School Board members, one of our goals is to be seen as a group that works together towards solving every issue, regardless of who or which side introduces it. We must stay focused on what is best for our students and our schools. I am proud that FSBA has members ready to mentor and collaborate with their fellow school board members so that they have the skills and tools necessary to serve their local students, families, and schools.”
Kennedy most recently served as FSBA President-Elect and Chair of the Long-range Planning Committee. All officers will serve through June 2023.
