Leonardo Trent

Government Reform Restoring transparency and accountability to the school board. Education As a current student, I can say firsthand that DEI programs have gone too far in our schools, creating a distraction to students and depriving them of the important education they need to lead successful lives. Instead of teaching young minds to be ashamed of American history, I believe American accomplishments and ingenuity should be celebrated, along the lines of the 1776 Project, which I would integrate into the curriculum. Education I am concerned about the quality of education in our schools. Despite what current members of the board may say, Charlotte County is not an “A”-graded district. Of the twenty-five schools in our district, only Florida Southwestern Collegiate High School and Charlotte Technical College are “A”-graded, and neither of these is a public school. The quality of our schools has stagnated over the past decade, despite tax levies having increased 94% over the same period. The school board desperately needs new leadership and I support our new Superintendent Mr. Vianello’s call for vocational career training to prepare students for real-world jobs after graduation. Government Reform The board needs to reclaim ownership of school policy, incorporating parent and citizen feedback through public workshops. I will propose moving these workshops to Saturday mornings. The workshops are currently scheduled on Tuesday mornings, a time that working parents cannot attend. Education Improving the quality of education and our district’s standing among Florida schools. Government Reform Separating the board from its dependence on NEOLA policy-making. Education Reining in DEI programs that are running amok in our schools.