With the 2024 General Elections finally in the rearview mirror, there are fresh faces occupying several different offices across the state and around the country. Kayce Michelle Hawkins succeeded former Board Chair Linda Prescott as the newest holder of the District 2 Seat.
The accomplished mother of three ran unopposed for the seat after her initial opponent, Jennifer Sullivan, failed to qualify. The Sun caught up with Hawkins to give citizens a better understanding of the neophyte school board member and her policies:
Could you start by talking about your background? Have you been involved with education previously?
“I have lived in Hernando County, District 2 for 18 years and a proud wife and mother of three children and a sweet pup. With a master’s degree in early childhood education and various endorsements, I have excelled as a highly effective teacher in Hernando County Schools, teaching in various low-performing, high-performing, and Title One schools. My eldest two children currently attend schools in Hernando County, where I am actively involved as a volunteer.”
What were you doing for your career before being elected to the school board?
“In addition to my past career as an educator, I am an entrepreneur and co-own two successful businesses with my husband.”
What was your reason for running for the school board?
“As a former educator, I understand the demands and issues teachers and students face. I know what it is like to work for board members that have no experience in the classrooms. My goal when I retired was to run for school board to be the voice for our teachers, students, and parents. The past few years of watching our school system decline and battle for success motivated me to try and help now. I also have two children in our schools and understand what is happening in our schools. It’s time for our community and schools to unite.”
Do you have any policies or ideals that you would like to instill during your time on the board?
“Here are a few changes that I would like to change or instill:
• Keeping and hiring highly qualified teachers.
Prioritizing and supporting safe schools.
• Planning the build of a new high school and eliminating the portable rentals.
• Also, ensuring the school has a pool for the swim teams, as none of our current high schools have one.
• Prioritizing sibling preference in magnet schools is important for me to change. This will enhance parental engagement, reduced car line congestion, and alleviate additional family stress.
• Advocating for more funding for extracurricular activities and enrichment programs as many of the sporting teams, band, and clubs lack proper equipment or resources and must fundraise for students to participate.
• Create a band at Nature Coast, as it is the only high school without a band.
• Looking at alternative healthcare plans with lower cost and possibly offering employees free clinics.
• Continue to grow and expand our technical education programs.
• Support mental health with mentorship programs.”
Could you describe yourself a little? (Would you describe yourself as family-oriented, outdoorsy, or other adjectives of that nature?)
“I would describe myself as a Christian devoted to my family, driven to succeed, and tirelessly striving for excellence, earning me the title of the most spirited mom at school sporting events and best birthday party planner. I’m also a driven, hard-working individual who embraces challenges. Openness, honesty and fairness define me with a side of humor.”
Is there anything else we haven’t touched on that you would like readers to know about yourself, whether it’s policy-related or not?
“I love to support and help many non-profit organizations such as Jericho Road Ministries, Habitat for Humanity, Friends of Hernando County Parks and Recreation, Operation Heart Felt, Friends of Weeki Wachee, and the Kiwanis Club. I am a former member of the Junior Service League of Brooksville and serve on several committees such as The Ability Tree, PTO member, MidFlorida House to Home, and the CETA Annual Student Recognition. In the past, I served as the President of the Hernando County Association of Business Partners and was a member of the Chamber of Commerce. I have spent numerous hours volunteering in our schools and church organizations. I am committed to serving and making a change in our community.”
Hawkins will look to make a positive impact on the school board alongside fellow incoming member Michelle Bonczek. The new district two and four additions were sworn in on Tuesday, November 19.
Also on Tuesday, Shannon Rodriguez was selected to serve as school board chairwoman and Mark Johnson was chosen for vice chairman.
