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About Shirley Brown
Sarasota County School Board - Dist. 4

As a parent and grandparent, Shirley Brown’s priority is her family. But she is also a businesswoman and dedicated public servant who tirelessly devotes herself to the needs of her clients and constituents.

As the first woman elected to the Florida Legislature from Sarasota County in 1992, Shirley chaired the Women’s Legislative Caucus and championed bills in support of women, children and families. During her eight years in office, Shirley was influential in directing lottery dollars to fund college scholarships for hardworking students. Her work to strengthen our schools through innovation, accountability and higher standards, along with her strong support for providing high quality public education, earned her the Legislator of the Year Award from the Sarasota Classified/Teachers Association. They have also endorsed her in this campaign.

During Brown’s term on the school board, 95% of elementary and 86 % of middle schools earned an “A” while 84% all schools earned and A or B ranking from the state. Dropout rates are at an all time low and the achievement gap between white and minority students was significantly reduced by 16 points.

Brown’s legislative experience helped her as the district grappled with shrinking property values and tax revenues. She worked to achieve innovative, cost-cutting measures – such as resource conservation, technological efficiencies and administrative cuts -- that spared students and classrooms from feeling the brunt of cutbacks. “I know how to make the tough decisions. I’ve done it for years, both in Tallahassee and in my own business and family budgets.”

Brown feels that one of the highlights of her term was being able to put unemployed workers back to work. The district took advantage of falling construction prices and low interest rates to bond revenues and jump start necessary construction projects. “Voters and taxpayers can feel secure knowing their investment is being well managed. Our district has earned the highest credit score while maintaining one of the lowest school tax rates and highest fund balances in the state.”

With a history of proven accomplishments, Shirley Brown has demonstrated that she is a strong, experienced leader who has earned out trust. She deserves our support and our vote on August 24.