Submitted by Donna Martin
Candidate for Nassau County School Board District 1
July 9, 2018 6:00 p.m.
Mrs. Martin is employed as the Executive Director of the Florida State College at Jacksonville Nassau Center. She graduated from the University of Central Florida, Summa Cum Laude, with a Bachelors Degree in Mathematics and earned her Masters Degree in Mathematical Science from the University of North Florida, where she was selected as the Outstanding Graduate Student in Mathematics and Statistics. She also holds an Educational Specialist Degree in Higher Education with a concentration in Developmental Education from Appalachian State University.
Martin has lived in Nassau County for 25 years with her husband, John, who is retired from the Navy and recently retired as Nassau County’s Veterans’ Service Officer. They have one daughter, Janel, who is a graduate of Fernandina Beach High School, and is currently employed as a teacher there. They have four grandchildren, three of which attend Nassau County Schools and the fourth is two years old.
“I care about the future of Nassau County. I believe that the future of Nassau County depends on the decisions we make today that will impact our most precious resource, our children. It is our responsibility to ensure that the children of this county continue to be given every opportunity to learn and grow into productive citizens, fully prepared for the challenges they will face as adults.” Martin said.
Martin said she believes that the uncertainty regarding state funding over the next few years will require the School Board to work diligently to ensure that taxpayer money is spent where it can most benefit the students of Nassau County and continue to provide the best instructional methods, materials, and resources available.
Additionally, she feels the School Board needs to continue to offer competitive salaries and benefits to our teachers so that we attract and retain the best.
As the population of our county continues to grow, Martin believes it is vitally important that the School District monitors growth, plans accordingly to improve and expand our existing schools, and budgets properly for the construction of new schools to meet the demands of a large influx of new school age children.
Martin is committed to safe schools, saying “The students of Nassau County deserve to feel safe and secure in their schools.” Our work for safer schools started with the 2017-18 school year. We have completed safety assessments, initiated improvements such as locks, fencing, and secure entrances. Along with fortifying our buildings, we have met with the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office and the Fernandina Beach Police Department. We have hired a School District Safety Specialist and there will be a School Safety Officer and Threat Assessment Team in every school. Our plans for safer schools include mental health services as well.
Donna Martin feels strongly about her responsibility to serve the children of Nassau County and asks for your vote on August 28th. To learn more about Donna Martin, please view her candidate statement which can be found on the Supervisor of Elections website at www.votenassau.com. To become a campaign volunteer or host an event, please call 904-261-9015 or e-mail [email protected].