Name: Doretha Wynn Edgecomb
Age: 68
Residence: Tampa
Occupation: Hillsborough County School Board
Political affiliation: nonpartisan office
Political experience: two-time Hillsborough School Board member
Office being sought: Hillsborough County School Board District 5
Why are you running for this office?
I want to continue to serve our community because I believe I can continue to be a meaningful contributor. I have the temperament, passion, knowledge of the issues and the will to help make a difference. Educating our students is critical to the well-being of our community, and I want to be part of that process. Being on the school board for the past 8 years has allowed me to fulfill my obligation to serve and be a change agent. Leadership can be a daunting responsibility; but for me there is nothing more gratifying than to be in this position.
What are your top three priorities?
1. Sustain achievement and success for all students especially for our lowest performing is paramount. By employing the most qualified staff, providing additional academic support, connecting with parents, and using data to make the best decisions to address students’ needs and growth are among the ways to achieve this.
2. Increase employee satisfaction in environments that maximize their skills by providing resources and training they need to do the job we expect. Ongoing professional development that leads to opportunities for advancement and compensation will also help employees feel valued.
3. Implement transparent and efficient business practices and continue using cost-saving strategies. Strategies such as continuing to align district priorities with spending, reorganizing departments for greater productivity, creating policies and procedures that support efficiency and continuing to develop and monitor the budget process with an emphasis on transparency and proactive planning.
Why should voters choose you?
Voters expect those who represent them to be visible, approachable, responsive, prepared and a strategic problem-solver. Over my 8 years as a school board member, I have demonstrated such behaviors and have worked hard to earn the confidence of voters in District 5 and the entire community. I am viewed as a thoughtful listener and consensus builder who is willing to listen to the opinions of others with respect. With the many complex and challenging issues facing our school district, proven, qualified, experienced and open-minded leadership is what is needed and respected.
What qualifications do you bring to the job?
I have 47 years as an educator, with 33 as a teacher, district level supervisor and elementary school principal in Hillsborough. After retiring from the district, I served as a technical assistance advisor and program developer assisting state departments of education, school districts and schools with issues related to education delivery, teacher training and school reform. I have also taught reading courses to pre-service teachers at USF. I am committed to continuing to being the kind of active leader that serves with integrity and dignity.
