The Nassau County school board member for District 2, Gail Cook, is seeking re-election, facing Roody Joinville.
News4Jax sent a questionnaire to each candidate asking about their background and their views on several issues. Scroll down to read the responses of those seeking your vote -- in their own words.
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Note: Responses are sorted alphabetically and are presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4Jax staff.
| CANDIDATES |
Gail Cook
Occupation: Retired from Family Support Services of North Florida
School Board Member
Age: 72
Family: Tamie Cook Stubblefield (Zevon)
Kristy Cook Kays (Jordan) Asher & Reagan
Education: Fernandina Beach High School
Georgia Southern College BsED
Political experience: ‘I have served on the Nassau County School Board since 1992
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
Our school system is facing many challenges due to the rapid growth happening throughout our county. The superintendent and board are facing the challenge of deciding where to put new schools, how to pay without placing too much burden on our taxpayers and recruiting and retaining staff for the growing number of students. As an advocate for public education and our A+ school district I feel I can still serve our students, parents, faculty and staff of Nassau County as we strive to meet each challenge. I want us to continue to provide an excellent education for all of our students.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
I challenge myself to be as prepared as possible for each board meeting, by investigating and clarifying any questions concerning the agenda. I have taken many courses over the years on a variety of subjects to keep myself informed on the issues facing our school district. I achieved Master Board certification and continued to take relevant courses. I feel that my training, experience and passion for public education can still serve our students, parents, faculty and staff of Nassau County.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
I want to be remembers as an involved board member and an advocate for a school district that meets the educational needs of students from those with special need to those qualifying as National Merit Scholars. I am extremely proud that our ESE students continually score in top of the students in the state in performance on state assessments. Our A+, state ranking of #4, scholarships awarded, AP classes, dual enrollment credits and career technical certificates awarded are accomplished by hard working students, supportive parents and a dedicated faculty and staff whose goal is the best for their students. I want to be remembered as a board member who was small part of these achievements.
Campaign website: None
Campaign social media: Facebook
Roody Joinville
Occupation: School administrator
Age: 50
Family: I have been married to my wife Victoria for 22 years and we have 3 children : Emily, Sebastian and Celine.
Education: Bachelors In French, Florida International University, Master in (TESOL) Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Nova Southeastern University, Specialist degree in Educational Leadership Nova Southeastern University, Specialist Degree in Curriculum in Instruction University of West Florida.
Political experience: I am not a politician, I am an educator.
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
I am worried about the state of our public education and Teacher Retention. We need to increased funding for our public schools. I will advocate for policies that attract top educators and provide them with essential resources. Teacher recruitment and exit interviews should be a priority as we address teacher retention.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
I am the only candidate who has a child who is currently enrolled in our school system, I know firsthand some of the concerns and challenges teachers and students are experiencing.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
After serving in office, I would hope to be remembered for bringing oversight and accountability to the school board. Ensuring that our schools are effectively serving the needs of our students and operating in accordance with legal and ethical standards. Most importantly, the school board holds itself and the district accountable to the community it serves.
Campaign website: www.roodyjoinville.com