Tom Edwards, Sarasota County School Board

Honoring Pride Month 🏳️‍🌈!

In 1864 the U.S. Government bought General Lee's property which would become Arlington National Cemetery. By the end of the Civil War more than 16,000 fallen solders were buried there and in May 1868 the 1st Memorial Day ceremony occurred at Arlington. Recently, voting and voting rights have been affected by a Supreme Court decision and gerrymandering. Did they get this right? Critical thinking skills are not just for students. Have a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.

This is the 1st year that Sarasota County Schools graduations allowed me to attend ALL, none were double booked. In this one place, view the joy and the UNITY of achievement shared by graduates, teachers, and families. This is where we all invest in our future and not in politics. I am honored to serve public education as a Sarasota School Board Member.

We closed commencement season at Venice High School with a BANG! Sarasota County Schools' largest graduating class ever with just under a 100% graduation rate. Impressive in every way! Congratulations to the Venice High School Class of 2026!

Thank you Beth Spencer for your letter to the editor and for understanding the point of my Op-Ed. School choice is great in concept, as long as the playing field is level. I will always advocate for students and families here in Sarasota.

Big smiles from Graduates, Families, and Staff as we celebrated Oak Park's Class of 2026! Sarasota County Schools where every student matters!

CommUNITY. That is what struck me as I witnessed the historic Tunnel to Towers "Steel Across America" ceremony. The unity of ALL Americans that fateful September 11th, and the community spirit as Sarasota County Schools announced Emma E Booker Elementary 's "A" rating! I'm grateful to Andy Card, President Bush's chief of staff and Emma E's very own teacher Kay Daniels for sharing their 9/11 history as they recalled their moments in the classroom that morning. This is what leadership looks like!

Pine View Class of 2026 was nothing less than impressive. The overwheming accompliments of each graduate was showcased by Dr. Covert their Principal. The event was sprinkled with musical performances and my feet are killing me🥳😂. Congratulations !!!

Celebrating the 2026 Booker High School Graduation. The Class of 2026 are retiring from their High School careers with two of our very best. I have learned SO much from these two significant educators. I know their next chapters will be as impactful. ❤️

Congratulations to the Riverview Class 2026! I made some new friends and celebrated some personal victories! Pure joy NEVER gets old!!