Linda Powers is running for the District 5 seat on the Citrus County School Board.

1. Why are you running for this office?

I have been elected by the citizens of Citrus County to serve on the school board in 2004 and have served for almost 10 years.  During that time, our district has been distinguished as an "A" district for 8 years and cited as a "high performing" district for 8 years.  

We are in the top 10 of Florida school districts. The dedicated performance of the teachers, administrators and staff PLUS the knowledge and focus of those tasked with leading the district has made this happen.

I'm very proud to be one of the board members and wish to continue this tradition of accomplishments.

2. Why do you think you are the best qualified candidate for the office?

I believe that a candidate for school board must have the credentials that indicate a knowledge of the system at all levels. I graduated from Florida colleges with two masters degrees (one in Guidance and Counseling and one in English Education) plus a bachelor's degree and I have post-graduate work.  

In addition, I have been a teacher, counselor, administrator and a community college instructor. I am well familiar with K-12 education at each level.

I am also an active member of the community and serve or have served on many boards including Eckerd Youth Camp, Habitat for Humanity, the Withlacochee Planning Council and the Salvation Army among others.

3. If you are elected, what will be your top priorities?

My top priority has always been "educational excellence" for all students: the struggling who may need extra help and the excelling who need to discover higher vistas.

For this reason I organized a large tutor/mentoring program at the school where I was a counselor and worked to bring advanced classes and the IB program to Citrus County as a board member.

My tenure on the board along with my fellow board members has seen many accomplishments.  We worked hard to fulfill the goals of success.

I want this tradition to continue.  I hope the voters will re-elect me  to assist our county in accomplishing even greater goals.