School Board – District 2

Kristi Burns

Kristi Burns, a graduate of Eustis High School, holds a Doctorate in Chemistry/Biochemistry from Georgia Institute of Technology. She is a mother to four children, ages 9, 5, and 3-year-old twins. During doctoral studies, Dr. Burns taught college-level chemistry courses. She graduated from Eustis High in 1995 with honors, as salutatorian of her class.  She then completed a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 1999 at Tufts University in Massachusetts.  Dr. Burns worked at Genencor which became Dupont Industrial Biosciences a part of the Dupont Corporation.  Dr. Burns worked in business as an applications scientist and in research and development, where she was a scientist that communicated closely with sales, marketing, clients, and the U.S. military.  Her unique mix of academic, educational, and scientific business experience is an asset to the Lake County School Board.


Patricia Nave

 

A retired educator from Lake County Schools. Serving students, teachers, & staff for almost 38 years. As the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction I worked to move the school district from a C to its only A ratin

 

 

 



School Board Member – District 4

Mollie B. Cunningham

Prior to my retirement, I worked for Lake County Schools for 35 years. My vast experience makes me keenly aware of the skills necessary to be an effective school board member.

During my time as an administrator in Lake County, I served on various committees, including a committee to hire a superintendent and other upper-level administrative personnel. I worked on committees to revise the Student Code of Conduct and choose textbooks. I have also served on the Board of Directors for Cornerstone Hospice and the Central Florida YMCA.

My platform prioritizes Lake County Schools employee compensation as well as facilitating more input from the community through quarterly town hall meetings. I want to provide every stakeholder in Lake County with a voice at the table because providing education to children is one of society’s greatest responsibilities. Thank you for your support!


Betsy Farner

My name is Betsy Farner, and I am a candidate for School Board, District 4. As a teacher for 37 years, 33 years have been in Lake County. As a long time Lake County resident, an effective educational system benefits all. Giving young people a good foundation to build upon should be our goal.

We need a new voice for our county. We need someone with experience in the classroom, who understands student-teacher-parent relationships, and how a student learns best depending on their ability and socioeconomic backgrounds. Current graduation rates are a concern. We want our students to graduate and become contributing members of our society.

Successful students are a benefit to all of us. My goal as a School Board member will be to increase those graduation rates. I am also a strong proponent for vocational education. Not all of our students will go on to college to be doctors, lawyers, engineers, and teachers. We need our students to be prepared for the future to become productive members of our society.

After teaching at Tavares Elementary, Tavares Middle, and Tavares High School, I have a teacher’s point·of·view for the educational needs from elementary, middle, and high school levels. With my educational background, I have the knowledge and perseverance to do a great job! I have proven leadership as a former Chairperson for Lake Soil and Water Conservation District. My devotion to Lake County and making our qualities of life better has always been my commitment. Below is a partial list of my qualifications. I need your help and your vote. Vote for our children’s tomorrow, support and elect Betsy Farner today for Lake County School Board, District 4.


Sandy Gamble

Gamble was elected to the Lake County School Board in 2016. He was employed with the district in classified support staff roles for more than 20 years. Currently, he pastors the Church of God of Prophecy in Tavares.

He served on the Tavares City Council for eight years as a council member, vice mayor and mayor. He also coached youth sports in Tavares for 15 years and served on different boards in the city related to athletics. He is an assistant softball coach at Umatilla High School.

Sandy sought a seat on the School Board to make a difference in how the district is run. He also believed it was important to have someone on the board with his background as a former classified support employee.

As a School Board member, Sandy represents the district on various boards including the county’s Planning & Zoning and Recreational boards; Lake Community Action Committee; the board’s Allocation Committee, and others.

Sandy is a 1976 graduate of Tavares High School. He and his wife live in Tavares. They have two children and three grandchildren.


Michael A. Garcia 

As a dad of three, a police officer for 27 years, and a school resource officer, I recognize that our kids have different learning styles and needs.  I know the value of education and promise that as a Lake County School Board member I will advocate for every student as I have my own.  It is my goal to protect and provide for our students without prejudice.  It would be an honor to serve you, so that together we can make a difference in our children’s lives.

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