Tina Certain

The issues

Why are you running for this office?

I am running because a good education is not just the privilege of a few, but the right of all our students. I will work to create high quality public schools countywide; I will work hard to make sure we have equitable access to educational resources, opportunities and in facilities.

In your view, what are the top three issues facing the school district? How are you qualified to address these issues?

• Low student performance: I am not an educator. I have researched other districts to learn about methods, strategies and policies that are increasing student performance. I am will to explore new and innovative options.

• Financial constraints to deal with backlog of facility repairs, improvements: I have experience analyzing and making data based decisions. I have 20+ years of governmental accounting and budget experience which are useful in planning and budgeting for future expenditures.

• Recruitment and retention of diverse teachers: My goal is to ensure sound financial decisions are made so that higher teacher and support staff salary can be offered, more professional development and extra support for classroom teachers can be offered.

How would you assess the performance of Governor, President Trump and Secretary of Education when it comes to educational policy?

I am not pleased with the Republican administration at the state or federal level. There seems to be a consistent, coordinated effort to defund and privatize public education by inadequately funding and diverting funding away via vouchers.  

Share your opinion on the changes to school safety and gun ownership enforced in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Act.

I favor securing school premises to avoid all such tragedies and acts of violence.  My hope is that safety and security can be balanced so that schools don’t turn into a jail-like environments.

Share your opinions on the guardian program and arming teachers.  

I do not support arming “non-teaching” school employees with guns. There is too much potential for harm. Securing school premises with a firearm should be left to the highly trained law enforcement officers of our city and county. I support the Board’s recent reaffirmation vote to only permit guns on campus by sworn law enforcement officers.

What are your plans for school safety and how do you plan to accomplish it?

To continue to have the recently hired Safety Chief work with local police and sheriff’s office to refine security policies for each school site and the district.

Alachua County Public Schools has shown to have an educational gap, where more white students are passing tests than black students. What are your plans to approach this educational divide?

Continuing the current path does not seem wise given outcomes for black students has been dismal for several years. The best teachers, using the best instructional practices including the parent or guardian is essential. Those things coupled with a school led by a principal will a proven track record of leading change and creating an environment of excellence shows promise of improving student performance

Do you have any plans or policies that involve the University of Florida, and if so, explain.

Due to location, the University of Florida would be an excellent partner for professional development, training and sharing of knowledge on the latest instructional practices, participation in research studies and access to research outcomes. Collaboration between the District could prove useful for both parties.  

What are your opinions on school choice and opening charter schools?

In this county, there are more choice options for students applying to advance academic programs. Choice options for students wishing to move between schools that are not designated as low performing, school grade of D/F for multiple years, is an option only if there is space in the school.  Most schools in the west are at or over capacity so they cannot be selected as a choice school. Choice is also limited for families with limited or no transportation options. Local non-profit charters are having good success in our county. Most are located in east Gainesville and offer parents of students in that area choice. I do not favor large for-profit charters.

What are your stances on current teacher pay? If you plan to implement raises, how would you go about it and would class sizes be affected?

I support increasing teacher and support staff pay. I am not in favor of increase class sizes. I am not ready to offer a plan at this time. I need to study of the budget and available funding and long-term cost before I can offer a position.

What are your views on high-stakes testing?

I am not a fan of high stakes testing, but I do believe that assessments are needed to evaluate the learning needs and proficiencies of students. My favorite kinds of assessments are portfolio and student-led assessments.

Share your stance on basing teacher pay off of performance reviews.  

I think student performance should not be the only criteria, but I think it is reasonable to have a portion based on student performance

What is an example of a policy or issue you have changed your view on in the last 20 years?

Gun control; I think background checks should be done on every sale, no exemptions and penalties for violations.

Do you support voting on college campuses?

Yes.

The campaign

Is there anything you want us to know about your opponent(s)?

No

Why should voters vote for you?  

l bring a new perspective; one that is fiscally responsible, a perspective of a former student, a mother whose children attended public schools and a member of the greater Gainesville community and a public servant. I bring a specific skill set that is much needed in this era of shrinking educational budgets: financial analysis with a specific emphasis on governmental budgeting and finances.

Miscellaneous

What type of student were you in college?

I was a good student

What is the last music concert you saw?

I attended Essence Music festival a few years back. I don’t usually attend concerts

Who is your political hero? Why?

Barbara Jordan. She worked collaboratively with others but she wasn’t afraid to hold fast to her convictions and stand alone if needed.

What is the best advice you have ever gotten?

“If a task has once begun, never leave it till it’s done. Be the labor great or small, do it well or not at all.”