Doug Dodd is running for the District 3 seat on the Citrus County School Board.
1. Why are you running for this office?
I am running for the Citrus County School Board to help build a school system based on excellence and deliver a top-quality level of education to all students. I believe that I have much to offer as an educated and experienced professional and I look forward to the opportunity to serve on a board which helps guide and direct the policies and procedures of our school system.
2. Why do you think you are the best qualified candidate for the office?
I have a Master’s Degree in Education, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. I attended K-12th grade in Citrus County public schools and graduated from Citrus High School in 1983.
After serving 26 1/2 years with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, I retired from law enforcement in February, 2014. During my career I served as a Division Commander, HR Director, Captain, Lieutenant, Sergeant, School Resource Officer, and Deputy Sheriff. I graduated from the FBI National Academy in 2003. I also directed the Citizens’ Academy for 15 years, was a Crime Prevention Practitioner, was responsible for the Sheriff’s Volunteer Program, and was in charge of the agency’s state and national accreditations. I worked 10 years as a School Resource Officer (SRO) and have a good understanding of school safety and drug issues.
My qualifications for School Board however are not just centered on my education and experience, but more so around my proven leadership skills and communication abilities. Having three college degrees shows my personal commitment to education and will be a good representation for a School Board Member.
In today’s world of bullying and violence, my knowledge of school safety issues is important for a well-rounded board. I have served on many professional and community boards, understand rules of order, and have an ability to work well with others.
As a coach for youth sports, I stress teamwork and as a professional I have learned the importance of working as a team. I understand the complexities of personnel matters, have developed a budget, and have written several state and federal grants.
Two of my children have graduated from Citrus High and another one is there now. I have worked with children my whole life – coach, Sunday school teacher, School Resource Officer, Sheriff’s Youth Ranch counselor, Safety Patrol chaperone, Boy Scout Explorer advisor, and parent. I am passionate about young people and want to have a positive impact on their future as a School Board Member.
3. If you are elected, what will be your top priorities?
My top priority will be to make sure that our schools are academically successful. An important issue for our School Board today relates to the changing standards, curriculum, and graduation requirements and how the Board manages these changes while making sure they serve our students’ best interest.
Education in Florida is at a crossroads with the move from the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) to the new Florida Standards, which is largely derived from the national Common Core Curriculum. Graduation requirements continue to change and our schools must be ready to guide students through this process preparing them to graduate on time. In the midst of navigating these changes, we must make sure our students are learning and are ready for a productive lifestyle ahead.
I am a concerned parent with a daughter entering her sophomore year at Citrus High School and another daughter who just graduated from Citrus High this year. As a School Board Member, I will work diligently to stay on top of educational concerns by communicating with parents, students, teachers, administrators, business members, and citizens.
My second priority involves the school district’s budget and the projected revenue shortfall for next budget year. This is a serious concern of mine which I believe must be closely examined. With a slow recovering economy and declining student enrollment, funding issues will continue into the next several years. The school budget reserves are at minimum levels and there is little room to meet a large financial shortfall ahead. My degree in business administration and my experience in public budgeting and personal finance give me an advantage in this area.
As a Board Member I want to continue to offer a variety of programs in academics, athletics, and fine arts as they lead to the development of a well-rounded person. However, we must live within our current funding framework and diligently manage our budget and spending. I will work hard to provide students a quality educational experience while being a good steward of the tax dollar.
My third priority is to provide for safe and drug-free schools. I believe that the safety and security of our children is a very important issue today. With an alarming number of school violence incidents occurring throughout America, our district must be diligent in addressing the issues of bullying and violence. Adequate school safety plans and a strong School Resource Officer Program must be expected and maintained with a high level of professionalism. My experience as a School Resource Officer (SRO) and my background in crime prevention will bring an added and valuable dimension to the School Board.
For 10 years as an SRO I taught classes on drugs and crime, counseled students, focused on school safety, and worked with teachers and parents to help keep kids on the right track. From dealing with discipline on campus, to the issues of the Renaissance Center, to hearing expulsion cases before a closed School Board meeting, my experience in this area will allow for a well-rounded board.
On that note, I believe that a variety of professionals should comprise the Citrus County School Board. My education, training, and experiences will bring an added element of professionalism to the board and I hope that voters will recognize this perspective and elect me to serve.