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As a candidate for Pinellas County School Board District 3 (At-Large), I believe it’s important to be clear about how we support students with the greatest needs. Too often, systems work in isolation instead of coordination. The BRIDGE Council is a practical, nonpartisan approach to connect resources early, strengthen communication, and keep at-risk students connected to education.

Last night I attended the Cross Bayou Elementary school closure meeting in Pinellas County. Parents weren’t focused on cost or logistics, they were focused on stability, safety, and what this change means for their children. School closures are more than numbers. Trust, communication, and empathy must lead the process.

K-8 schools can create stability for kids and rebuild trust in public education, but implementation matters. After attending today’s school board work session, here’s where I stand on K-8 schools, what concerns me most about the rollout, and the steps Pinellas County Schools should take to get it right.

Pinellas County Schools now requires Level 2 background checks for all volunteers. I support stronger safety measures, but implementation matters. If the process is confusing or costly, good mentors may stop showing up. As Curtis Campogni, candidate for Pinellas County School Board, I believe we can protect students while reducing barriers, improving communication, and strengthening the volunteer village.