On the Ballot: Tammy Dennis, Candidate for Brevard County School Board District 5

Tammy Dennis is a certified teacher, choir director, drama director, producer and military mom who has educated all ages and navigated public schools across the nation. A grandmother and woman of faith, Dennis is devoted to Coastline Community Church. A Brevard resident for over 8 years, Dennis serves on the oversight committee of the surtax supporting school facilities and the Audit Committee overseeing audits of over 1.4B districtwide. A leader, Dennis cofounded a coalition to bring opportunities to students and teachers. A Christian Conservative, Dennis believes in traditional family values, parental voice, academic focus and opportunities for students.

Why are you running for School Board?

I’m stepping up to be a member of the School Board because I want our kids to be educated not indoctrinated. As a board member I will support decisions that strengthen academic excellence and opportunity for every child to succeed. I will be an advocate for students and a voice for our families.

What does it mean to you to be a Brevard resident?

Everything! The draw of Brevard is its geographic uniqueness of easy access to both beach and inner coastal waters, sunshine and warmth. For me the beauty of Brevard is not only sunshine and comfortable temperatures but also the amazing warm community that welcomes new neighbors and nurtures friendships. As a military spouse, Uncle Sam chose where we would live. Regardless of the place, I would jump in, serve, and connect. After 35 years of service as a military spouse, I had the privilege to choose where we would live. I chose Brevard. I jumped in, serve and continue to connect every single day. I and my high school sweetheart, husband, best friend and partner-in-life truly love it here. We value every person we are privileged to meet.

What is the top issue driving your campaign, and what can voters expect you to do about it?

Students graduating without foundational milestones and the tools to be productive young adults. My top priority is to ensure students are ready for life. I will focus first on the basics of reading, writing, math and civics, fully supporting the new reading program that includes phonics and advocating for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) programs. As students grow and develop, I strongly believe every student needs a path. My biggest initiative will be to develop a world-class Career and Technical Network across Brevard. I will connect with businesses and the community to expand vocational training and trade certification programs so students can take advantage of the economic growth brought by the space industry and others in Brevard. Our students landing Space Coast jobs. Ready for life. Ready to launch!

What is one misconception people may have about you or your platform?

A board member oversees budgets, sets policy and makes decisions that affect every student, teacher and taxpayer. Some have the misconception that I lack experience because I am not a career public school teacher. In truth, I am already doing aspects of the position by actively supporting the school board with oversight of budgets and working to bring opportunities to students and teachers.

With my large-scale budget oversight of Brevard’s $54M in annual surtax and $1.4B in districtwide finance audits, I can help tighten budgets, streamline processes, reduce administrative costs and find the savings to put our 77,000 students first, support teachers and equip classrooms.

With my collaboration experience, I will connect with leadership, principals, and teachers to set priorities and with businesses, institutions and the community with the goal of developing a world-class Career and Technical Network across Brevard.

As a military mom and Grandmama, I will support common sense decisions; protect girls’ sports and privacy; prioritize critical thinking over indoctrination; and defend parents’ rights to be fully informed and fully involved.

How has your Christian faith shaped your life, and how can voters expect it to influence your approach to public office?

My faith is the foundation of my life and all that I do. At an early age, I put my faith in Jesus Christ as my Savior, establishing a personal relationship with God through Jesus. I believe God is who He says He is and I am who God says I am. Through life’s challenges, God never changes and is always there. I will continue to draw closer to Him and rely on His leading and guidance as I make decisions that affect all of us. I do not take this calling lightly. I am humbled by this opportunity and will call on God to give me wisdom and discernment. I also ask the community to pray with me over our students, families, teachers, leaders, staff and the board. May God bless our efforts to bring the best academic curriculum and pivotal opportunities to our precious children, our future leaders!

Readers can learn more, contact the campaign, or support Tammy Dennis at tammyforstudents.com.

— Christians of Brevard is a multi-church initiative that seeks to amplify the voices of local churches and ministries for the purpose of encouraging the local body of Christ and advancing the Kingdom of God. Join our Facebook community @ChristiansOfBrevard