Dr. Laura Dortch Edler: Candidate, Escambia County School Board, District 3
EDITOR'S NOTE: The following is an interview conducted via questionnaire by the Pensacola News Journal with Escambia and Santa Rosa County election candidates for their respective races. All the answers were submitted to the Pensacola News Journal by the candidate and are available to our readers to show the candidates' position and priorities on the issues. Candidates were limited to 750 words.
Candidate: Dr. Laura Dortch Edler
Office you're seeking: Escambia County Florida School Board District 3
Occupation: Assistant Professor Clinical Practice, University of West Florida Department of Social Work
Education: Doctorate Degree in Education (Ed.D) University of West Florida. Pensacola, Florida.
Educational Specialist Degree (Ed.S) University of West Florida. Pensacola, Florida.
Master Social Work Degree (MSW) Florida State University. Off-Campus Advanced Standing. UWF Campus. Pensacola, Florida.
Bachelor Social Work Degree (BSW) University of West Florida. Pensacola, Florida.
Associate of Arts Degree (AA) Home Economics Education. Pensacola Junior College. Pensacola, Florida
Practical Nursing Certificate (LPN). Booker T. Washington Vocational School. Pensacola, Florida
More about the race:Former principal challenges incumbent for Escambia County School Board District 3 seat
Why are you running for this office? I believe, in Escambia County, we have the potential and the vital resources to assure that every child receives a quality education regardless of his/her life’s circumstances or situations!
In 2018 I was overwhelming elected by the citizens of District 3 to serve as their representative and bring about a systemic change within the Escambia County Florida school system. Working in partnership with all stakeholders, over the past three and a half years serving as the Escambia County School Board Member District 3, I believe we have successfully met many challenges and removed barriers that may be contributing factors to children losing hope, dropping out or being pushed out of school, thereby reducing their opportunities to become future productive citizens!
What makes you stand out from your opponent(s)? I bring a wealth of knowledge, skills, and years of experience in serving a diverse population of children (from birth-demise) and their parents/caregivers in both classroom settings and within the community that cannot be compared! Moreover, I am a permanent resident of District 3 continuously living in the same residential location most of my life with no desire to live any place other than District 3!
Previous elective office/ elective office experience: This is my first elective position. However, I have served in many leadership roles in various community and non-profit organizations.
What are your three most important priorities if you are elected or re-elected?
During my first term, many changes occurred and certainly need to continue. However, more changes need to transpire. My three most important priorities however will include the following.
- Decrease the number of disciplinary referrals of All children, particularly African Americans and children of color.
- Continue the review of Traditional policies/procedures, advocating for “best practices” professional development to include Cultural awareness, responsive and competency. Cultural competency is based on the idea that every student brings unique cultural strengths to the classroom.
- Continue to advocate for a middle school in District 3
How would you implement Priority 1? Recommending/continue advocating for systemic changes, removing unreasonable expectations for children, providing better understanding and reasonable expectations according to age-appropriate behaviors could ultimately encourage the reduction of disciplinary referrals of all children, specifically African Americans and children of color. Further, focusing on cause and effect, closing the educational gap is possible.
How would you implement Priority 2? Professional development can instill new and different ideas about teaching the children of today, which could lead to better utilizing their time and staying organized. Thereby allowing more time to focus on the children.
How would you implement Priority 3? With all the new construction and infer-structure occurring today it is important to keep the needs of the children living below the poverty line visible!
How will you use your position as board member to address the learning and socialization gap caused by COVID-19? Being an “active listener” to the needs of all stakeholders, encourage open communication and recommend solutions/resources to change
How will you change classroom curriculum, student clubs or school interaction with parents and students in response to new laws put into place governing public schools under Ron DeSantis? The governor has present new laws acceptable to some and not acceptable to others. As a board member, I will study the laws and make critical decisions in the best interest to children.