Expanded Thoughts on Tonight's School Board Candidate Forum
- Curtis Campogni
- 2 hours ago
- 21 min read
By Curtis Campogni, Candidate for Pinellas County School Board (District 3 – At-Large)
Hey! This is Curtis... from the past.
As I'm writing this, the candidate forum hasn't happened yet. In fact, it's still a few hours away. I scheduled this post to publish right as the forum ended because I already know one thing going in.
One minute isn't enough time to answer the questions our community cares about.
So first... how did I do?
Did I stay within the time limit?
Did I actually answer the questions?
Did I remember everything I wanted to say?
Hopefully.
But regardless of how tonight went, there were always going to be ideas, examples, and stories that simply wouldn't fit into a one-minute response.
That's one of the challenges of a candidate forum.
Complex issues like teacher retention, school safety, student achievement, budgeting, and mental health deserve thoughtful conversations, not just sound bites.
Rather than trying to squeeze years of experience into sixty seconds, I wanted to do something a little different.
Below you'll find expanded versions of many of the ideas I shared tonight, along with some of the experiences that have shaped my thinking. My goal isn't to convince you that I have all the answers. It's to give you a better understanding of how I think, how I approach problems, and why I'm running to serve on the Pinellas County School Board.
Whether you agreed with every answer tonight or not, thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and my vision for our schools.
Now... let's dive in.
Jump to a topic
My No-Intro Intro
One thing you might have noticed tonight is that we weren't given opening statements.
That means you heard my answers, but you may not have heard my story.
So before we dive into the topics from tonight, I'd like to give you the introduction I never had the chance to give.
Hi, I'm Curtis Campogni.
Before I'm a candidate...
I'm a dad to two incredible children who attend Pinellas County Schools.
I'm a husband to an amazing wife who serves as a social worker.
I'm the son of a public school teacher who taught me the value of education long before I ever considered running for office.
I'm an adoptive father who understands that every child has a story, every family faces different challenges, and every student deserves someone who believes in them.
I'm a lifelong Pinellas County resident. I grew up here, attended our local schools, built my career here, and now I'm raising my own family here.
Professionally, I've spent more than 15 years working alongside young people and families through education, workforce development, foster care, juvenile justice, behavioral health, and community partnerships. I've had the privilege of training organizations across the country, but my passion has always been helping people discover what's possible for themselves.
I'm also a business owner, which has taught me how to build teams, manage budgets, solve problems, and bring people together around a common mission.
Those experiences are why I'm running.
Not because I believe I have all the answers.
But because I believe I know how to ask good questions, bring the right people to the table, listen before making decisions, and keep students at the center of every conversation.
If you watched tonight's forum, I hope my answers gave you a better understanding of my priorities.
I hope this introduction gives you a better understanding of my heart.
Now, let's take a deeper look at the conversations we only had one minute to have.
Teacher Recruitment & Retention
If there was one topic I knew would come up tonight, it was teacher recruitment and retention.
You've probably heard me say this before:
Hear them. Empower them. Pay them.
Those three words aren't just a slogan. They're how I think we begin rebuilding teaching into a career that more people want to join and fewer people want to leave.
One of the reasons this issue matters so much to me is because public education has always been personal.
My mother is a public school teacher. My children attend Pinellas County Schools. I've volunteered through the Great American Teach-In. Throughout my career, I've also had the opportunity to train and work alongside thousands of helping professionals, including educators, counselors, and youth advocates. One thing has always been true.
People stay where they feel valued.
Of course, compensation matters. Florida has made progress, but I don't believe we've done enough. We cannot expect to attract and retain exceptional educators while consistently ranking near the bottom nationally in teacher pay. I will continue advocating for greater investment in teachers at both the district and state levels because great schools begin with great teachers.
But I also don't believe teacher retention is only about money.
Burnout is often treated as an individual problem when, in reality, it's frequently a workplace issue. When teachers are expected to wear the hats of educator, counselor, social worker, behavior specialist, administrator, and countless other roles, eventually something gives.
That's why I believe the School Board should continue looking for ways to reduce unnecessary burdens on teachers, create more opportunities for teacher input, and allow educators to spend more time doing what they entered the profession to do: teach.
One idea I'd like to explore is something I call Board in the Schools.
Once each month, I would like to see a School Board member spend meaningful time inside a school, not for a photo opportunity, but to listen. Sit with teachers. Observe classrooms. Meet with support staff. At the end of each visit, share a public summary of what was learned and what questions still need to be answered.
Good decisions begin with understanding the people most affected by them.
I'd also like to explore innovative ways to recruit and retain educators beyond salary alone. Programs that assist with housing, student loan repayment, mentorship for new teachers, and stronger partnerships with our local colleges and universities deserve thoughtful discussion. Some of these ideas require state support, while others can begin through local partnerships.
As someone who has led large teams, I've also seen the challenge of salary compression firsthand. There were times when market conditions required us to hire new employees at salaries very close to those of experienced staff. Those situations were frustrating for veteran employees, and rightfully so. Experienced teachers bring stability, mentorship, leadership, and institutional knowledge to our schools. We cannot solve recruitment challenges by creating retention challenges.
Ultimately, I want Pinellas County Schools to become a destination district for educators.
Not because we simply pay more than everyone else.
Because teachers know they'll be respected, supported, listened to, and given the opportunity to do what they do best: change lives.
Great schools begin with great teachers. If we want stronger schools tomorrow, it starts with how we treat our teachers today.
Enrollment, School Choice, and School Closures
If I had to guess, I'm betting we talked about declining enrollment tonight.
It's one of the biggest challenges facing not just Pinellas County Schools, but school districts across Florida and the country. And if enrollment came up, I hope I was able to make one point clear.
Enrollment isn't just a numbers issue. It's a trust issue.
Every student who leaves Pinellas County Schools represents more than a reduction in funding. It's a family making a decision they believe is best for their child. Before we can reverse enrollment trends, we have to understand those decisions instead of making assumptions about them.
My wife and I understand school choice firsthand.
Before enrolling our own children, we looked at public schools, charter schools, and private schools. We asked questions. We toured campuses. Ultimately, we chose Pinellas County Schools because we believed it was the best fit for our family.
Parents deserve that choice.
My job as a School Board member isn't to criticize families for making educational decisions. My job is to make Pinellas County Schools a district more families choose.
That starts by listening.
I would like to see the district spend more time understanding why families leave. Is it academics? Safety? School culture? Transportation? Specialized programs? Scheduling? Communication? We shouldn't assume we know the answer before asking the question.
I also believe many families don't fully realize the incredible opportunities already available within our public schools. Magnet programs, Fundamental schools, Career and Technical Education, International Baccalaureate programs, career academies, and other specialized options provide outstanding opportunities.
We should do a better job telling those success stories and helping families understand the choices they already have within our district.
I also think we should remain open to innovative school models when they make sense for a community. My own children attend a K-8 school, and I've seen firsthand some of the benefits that model can provide for families. That doesn't mean every school should become a K-8 campus, but I do believe we should continue evaluating whether different school configurations, specialized programs, or community-based approaches could help strengthen enrollment and better meet the needs of students and families.
I'm less interested in asking, "How have we always done it?" and more interested in asking, "What gives students and families the best opportunity to succeed?"
If declining enrollment continues, conversations about school closures will inevitably follow.
These are some of the hardest decisions a School Board can make because schools are much more than buildings. They're neighborhood gathering places, community anchors, and places where memories are made.
If those conversations become necessary, they should be driven by facts, transparency, and meaningful community involvement. We need to carefully examine enrollment trends, facility utilization, transportation, finances, and the impact on students and staff. Most importantly, families deserve to be part of the conversation early, not after decisions have already been made.
One thing I've learned from managing enrollment-driven programs throughout my career is this. When participation declined, we didn't immediately ask, "What should we cut?" We first asked, "How do we retain the people we serve?"
I believe the same mindset applies here.
Our first priority should be rebuilding trust, strengthening our schools, and giving families more reasons to stay.
One idea I'd like to explore is a Community Schools Initiative that better connects our schools with businesses, civic organizations, alumni, volunteers, and the broader community. Our public schools belong to all of us, not just the families currently enrolled. The more people who feel connected to our schools, the more confidence they'll have in them.
At the end of the day, I believe the best strategy for increasing enrollment isn't a marketing campaign.
It's earning the community's trust every single day.
Math and Literacy
If I had to guess, we probably talked about student achievement, literacy, or math tonight.
If we did, I hope one thing came across clearly.
Strong foundations matter.
Reading and math are the building blocks for almost everything else a student will experience throughout their education. When students struggle in those early years, every subject becomes more challenging.
That's why I believe one of the smartest investments we can make is in early childhood education, especially Pre-K, Kindergarten, and the early elementary years. The earlier we identify learning gaps and provide support, the greater the impact we can have over the course of a student's education.
One phrase I've heard quite a bit over the past several years is, "We need to get back to the basics."
Admittedly, it does sound appealing, but I also think we need to be honest with ourselves.
We've been saying that for years, yet reading proficiency continues to be one of our biggest challenges. If we want different results, we have to be willing to ask different questions, have difficult conversations, and remain open to new ideas.
That doesn't mean abandoning proven instructional methods. It means looking for innovative ways to better engage students, support teachers, and involve the entire community in learning.
One idea I'd love to explore is something I call Pinellas Reads.
Imagine community leaders, local businesses, athletes, first responders, elected officials, and volunteers reading in classrooms throughout the county. Imagine neighborhood reading events, family literacy nights, and community-wide reading challenges that make reading something students see valued everywhere, not just inside a classroom.
Because I don't think literacy is just a school responsibility.
I think it's a community responsibility.
The same goes for math.
Students are far more likely to engage when they understand why they're learning something. Whether it's budgeting, building, cooking, entrepreneurship, sports statistics, or technology, math becomes much more meaningful when students can connect it to real life.
I've also had conversations with many teachers who believe we should continue investing heavily in our youngest learners. They see firsthand that when students enter elementary school with a strong foundation, everything that follows becomes easier.
As a School Board member, I want to continue supporting evidence-based literacy initiatives already underway while remaining open to new ideas that help students succeed. We shouldn't be afraid to innovate when the data supports it.
One of my favorite quotes says, "The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second-best time is today."
Improving literacy and math achievement is very similar.
The investments we make today may not produce headlines tomorrow, but they will shape the lives of students for years to come.
Every child deserves a strong foundation because every future depends on one.
Student Behavior and School Safety
I really hope we had a chance to spend some time talking about this tonight.
Student behavior and school safety are far too important to be reduced to a one-minute answer.
Like many of you, I want every student, teacher, staff member, and family to know that our schools are safe. Physical safety will always be a priority.
But I also believe there's another type of safety that deserves just as much attention.
Psychological safety.
Students need to know they have trusted adults they can turn to. Teachers need to feel supported when addressing behavioral concerns. Parents need confidence that when issues arise, they will be handled consistently, fairly, and with the best interests of everyone involved.
Throughout my career, I've spent more than 15 years working alongside justice-involved youth, behavioral health professionals, schools, and families. One lesson has remained constant.
Behavior is communication.
That doesn't mean behavior should be excused. Students should absolutely be held accountable for their actions. Accountability teaches responsibility and protects the learning environment for everyone else.
But accountability and understanding can exist at the same time.
One of the biggest mistakes we can make is waiting until a student reaches a crisis before we intervene. The earlier we identify concerns, build relationships, and connect students with the right supports, the more likely we are to change outcomes.
I've also learned that lasting behavior change rarely comes from punishment alone.
It comes from relationships.
It comes from students believing that someone genuinely cares about them and believes they can succeed.
That doesn't mean there aren't times when discipline is necessary. There absolutely are. Every student deserves to learn in an environment where they feel safe, respected, and free from disruption. Consistent expectations and meaningful consequences are essential to maintaining that environment.
If elected, one idea I'd like to explore is creating additional opportunities for students to share their perspectives directly with the School Board. I call it the Student Voice Initiative.
Imagine periodically inviting students to present ideas, challenges, and solutions directly to the Board. Not during public comment, but as part of our regular learning as board members.
Sometimes, the people closest to a problem have insights adults overlook, and when we give students a voice, we also give them ownership.
School safety is another area where we have to be willing to evaluate new ideas while remaining focused on what works. Whether we're discussing security technology, mental health supports, reporting systems, or emergency preparedness, my focus will always be the same.
Will this make students safer?
Will this help teachers teach?
Will this strengthen trust between our schools and our community?
Those are the questions I'll continue asking.
Because the safest schools aren't simply the ones with the strongest security measures.
They're the schools where students feel connected, teachers feel supported, parents feel heard, and everyone knows we're working together to create an environment where learning can thrive.
Parent Engagement
If I had to guess, I hope we talked about the relationship between parents and our schools tonight.
It's a topic that's incredibly important to me because I don't believe parents and schools are on opposite teams.
They're co-dependent on one another.
Parents know their children better than anyone. Educators bring professional expertise and experience into the classroom. When those two perspectives work together, students benefit.
When they don't, everyone loses.
Throughout my career, I've managed programs involving multiple agencies, schools, community organizations, and families. Whether I was working in foster care, juvenile justice, or workforce development, the same lesson kept presenting itself.
Communication builds trust.
And trust changes outcomes.
One thing I've learned is that people don't expect perfection.
They expect honesty.
They want to know they're being heard. They want follow-through. They want to understand not just what decisions are being made, but why they're being made.
I think the School Board has an opportunity to strengthen that relationship.
One idea I'd like to explore is a Parent Partnership Initiative.
This could include workshops that help parents better understand how to navigate the school system, where to find resources, how to advocate for their children, and how to build productive relationships with teachers and school administrators.
I'd also like us to take a closer look at how we're communicating with families.
Are we using the communication methods parents actually prefer?
Do we have updated contact information?
Are families receiving information in a way that's timely, understandable, and accessible?
Sometimes improving communication isn't about creating something new.
It's about doing the basics consistently.
As a School Board member, I also want to ensure parents have meaningful opportunities to share feedback before major decisions are made. Listening shouldn't happen only after a controversy develops. It should be part of how we govern every day.
One phrase I've used throughout this campaign is, "People support what they help create."
I believe that's true in schools just as much as it is anywhere else.
The more parents, educators, students, and community members feel like partners in the process, the stronger our schools become.
At the end of the day, I don't believe the relationship between parents and schools should be defined by conflict.
It should be defined by collaboration.
Because when parents and schools become partners instead of opponents, students succeed.
Finance and Budgeting
If I had to guess, we probably talked about the budget tonight.
School budgets can be intimidating. There are operating budgets, capital budgets, state funding formulas, grants, enrollment projections, and a long list of legal requirements that determine how money can be spent.
The truth is, School Board members aren't running to be the district's Chief Financial Officer.
We're running to be a governing team responsible for asking good questions, setting priorities, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.
One thing I know for certain is that every budget is a reflection of what we value.
If we say teachers matter, our budget should reflect that.
If we say student achievement is our priority, our budget should reflect that.
If we say we want families to trust our schools, our financial decisions should reflect that, too.
Throughout my career, I've managed programs where funding was directly tied to participation. When enrollment changed, budgets changed. We had to make difficult decisions while protecting the people and services that mattered most.
Those experiences taught me an important lesson.
The first question shouldn't be, "What can we cut?"
The first question should be, "How do we protect the mission?"
For me, that mission is simple.
Support students.
Support teachers.
Spend taxpayer dollars responsibly.
If enrollment continues to decline, I believe we should first look for operational efficiencies, administrative savings where appropriate, grant opportunities, partnerships, and other creative solutions before making reductions that directly impact classrooms.
One framework I'd like to use when evaluating major spending decisions is something I call the Classroom Impact Test.
Before supporting a significant investment, I'd ask four questions.
Does it help teachers teach?
Does it directly benefit students?
Does it improve the overall school experience?
Does it have the potential to make the greatest impact where the need is greatest?
If the answer to those questions is yes, it's probably a worthwhile investment.
If not, we should ask why we're spending the money.
I also believe transparency is essential.
The community shouldn't only hear about the budget when difficult decisions have to be made. We should do a better job explaining how schools are funded, why certain dollars can only be used for specific purposes, and how the School Board makes financial decisions. When people understand the process, they're more likely to trust it.
As a taxpayer myself, I understand that families expect us to spend their money carefully.
As a father, I also understand that some investments are too important not to make.
Good financial stewardship isn't about spending the least amount of money.
It's about making the greatest possible impact with every dollar entrusted to us.
Because at the end of the day, a budget isn't just numbers on a spreadsheet.
It's a reflection of our priorities.
Technology and Artificial Intelligence
If I had to guess, I'm betting technology or artificial intelligence came up tonight.
If it did, I hope I was able to communicate one thing clearly.
Technology should enhance learning, not replace it.
Artificial intelligence is changing the way we work, communicate, solve problems, and learn. Whether we embrace it or ignore it, today's students are going to graduate into a world where AI is part of nearly every profession.
Our responsibility isn't to prepare students for yesterday's world.
It's to prepare them for tomorrow's.
I've had the opportunity to train organizations across the country on emerging technology, including artificial intelligence. I also use AI in my own business every day.
Like every major innovation throughout history, AI creates both opportunity and uncertainty.
The question isn't whether AI belongs in education.
The question is how we use it responsibly.
I don't believe artificial intelligence should replace teachers.
I believe it should give teachers more time to be teachers.
If technology can reduce repetitive administrative tasks, help personalize learning, or free up more time for meaningful interaction between educators and students, that's a win.
At the same time, we have to teach students how to use these tools responsibly.
Just because technology can do something doesn't mean students should stop learning how to think critically, solve problems, communicate effectively, or work collaboratively. In fact, I believe those human skills become even more valuable in an AI-driven world.
I'd also like to see Pinellas County Schools become a leader in AI literacy.
One idea I'd like to explore is AI Ready Pinellas.
This initiative would focus on helping students understand responsible AI use, providing teachers with meaningful professional development, offering workshops for parents who are trying to understand this rapidly changing technology, and strengthening partnerships with local businesses so students graduate with skills that match the workforce they're entering.
Technology should also create more opportunities for creativity, collaboration, and real-world learning, not more screen time for the sake of screen time.
Some of the best learning still happens through hands-on experiences, conversations, teamwork, internships, labs, the arts, Career and Technical Education, and solving real problems.
Technology should support those experiences, not replace them.
The pace of innovation isn't slowing down.
As a School Board member, I want Pinellas County Schools to be proactive instead of reactive, preparing students not only for the jobs that exist today, but for the careers that haven't even been created yet.
Because our responsibility isn't simply to help students graduate.
It's to help them thrive in the world they're about to inherit.
Mental Health and Supporting At-Risk Students
If I had to guess, I hope we spent some time talking about student mental health and supporting students who face additional challenges.
This topic has shaped much of my life.
For more than 15 years, I've worked alongside young people involved in foster care, juvenile justice, behavioral health, and other systems designed to support children and families. My wife and I are also adoptive parents, so I've experienced these conversations both professionally and personally.
One lesson has stayed with me throughout my career.
Every behavior has a story.
That doesn't mean every behavior is acceptable.
It means if we only respond to what we see on the surface, we'll often miss the opportunity to address what's happening underneath.
I've worked with incredible young people who weren't struggling because they lacked potential.
They were struggling because they lacked stability.
Because they experienced trauma.
Because they didn't have trusted adults.
Because they were dealing with challenges many of us never saw.
Trauma isn't always visible.
But its impact often is.
That's why I believe mental health should never be viewed as separate from student achievement.
Students who don't feel safe, connected, or supported have a much harder time learning.
One thing I've learned is that not every student needs the same support.
Every student needs the right support.
For some students, that's academic intervention.
For others, it's counseling.
Sometimes it's mentoring.
Sometimes it's simply having one trusted adult who believes in them.
One idea I'd like to explore is creating Student Success Teams that bring together families, educators, counselors, and community partners to identify challenges early, connect students with available resources, and develop coordinated plans for success.
Schools cannot solve every challenge a child faces.
But schools also shouldn't have to solve those challenges alone.
One of the greatest strengths of Pinellas County is the number of outstanding nonprofits, healthcare organizations, businesses, faith communities, and community partners that care deeply about our young people. I believe the School Board should continue strengthening those partnerships so families know where to turn when they need support.
I also believe we need to continue strengthening services for students with disabilities, autism, and other exceptional learning needs. Every child deserves an educational environment where they feel valued, supported, and challenged to reach their full potential.
At the end of the day, this isn't just about programs or policies.
It's about people.
It's about making sure every student knows there is someone in their corner who believes in them, supports them, and refuses to give up on them.
Because students don't all need the same support.
They each need the right support.
Workforce Development and Community Partnerships
I really hope we had a chance to talk about workforce development and community partnerships tonight.
This is one of the topics I'm most passionate about because it's where much of my professional experience intersects with public education.
Throughout my career, I've worked alongside workforce development organizations, employers, schools, and community partners with one shared goal.
Helping young people build meaningful futures.
One lesson I've learned over and over again is this.
When students can see their future, they're much more motivated to build it.
I've worked with young people who completely changed their outlook after getting their first job, discovering a career pathway, or finding an adult who believed in them. Sometimes what changes a student's life isn't another worksheet.
Sometimes it's a sense of purpose.
That's why I believe career exploration shouldn't begin in high school.
It should begin much earlier.
Students should have opportunities throughout their educational journey to explore careers, meet professionals, visit workplaces, develop real-world skills, and begin connecting what they're learning in the classroom to the opportunities waiting for them after graduation.
One idea I'd love to explore is a Career Innovation Challenge.
Imagine students working in teams to identify a real problem in their community, design a solution, build a prototype, and present their ideas to local business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community partners. Along the way, they'd develop communication skills, teamwork, creativity, critical thinking, and confidence.
Those are the same skills employers consistently tell us they're looking for.
I also believe our community has incredible resources that aren't always fully connected to our schools.
Businesses.
Nonprofit organizations.
Trade unions.
Colleges and universities.
Healthcare systems.
Local governments.
Faith-based organizations.
Every one of them has something valuable to offer our students.
The School Board can't solve every challenge alone, and it shouldn't have to.
One of the Board's most important responsibilities is bringing people together around a common purpose.
That's been the foundation of my career.
Whether I was working in workforce development, juvenile justice, child welfare, or community partnerships, my role has always been connecting people, organizations, and ideas to improve outcomes for young people.
I want to bring that same mindset to the School Board.
The stronger our partnerships become, the more opportunities our students will have.
Because at the end of the day, education isn't just about helping students earn a diploma.
It's about helping them discover a future they're excited to pursue.
Sometimes the opportunity that changes a student's life begins with helping them believe they have one.
Opportunity, Equity, and Every Student's Potential
I really hope equity came up tonight.
It's a word that means different things to different people, so let me tell you what it means to me.
It means making sure every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Not because every student starts from the same place.
But because every student deserves someone who believes in them and is willing to fight for their success.
Throughout my career, I've worked alongside young people in foster care, juvenile justice, behavioral health, and underserved communities. I've also had the privilege of becoming an adoptive father. Those experiences have taught me something that statistics alone never could.
A child's circumstances should never define their potential.
I've met students with every reason to fail who went on to accomplish incredible things because one teacher, one coach, one mentor, or one counselor refused to give up on them.
I've also met students with tremendous potential who simply needed someone to recognize what they were capable of.
To me, equity isn't about lowering expectations.
It's about removing unnecessary barriers while maintaining high expectations for every student.
It's about making sure a student's ZIP code, family circumstances, disability, or life experiences don't determine the quality of education they receive.
That's why I support continuing to strengthen services for students with disabilities, autism, and unique learning needs. It's why I believe we should continue investing in mental health supports, early intervention, and attracting outstanding educators to our highest-need schools.
One idea I'd like to explore is conducting regular Opportunity Reviews to better understand where staffing, resources, and student supports are having the greatest impact and where additional attention may be needed. Good decisions begin with good information.
I also believe representation matters.
When students see teachers, mentors, coaches, and leaders who understand their experiences or inspire them to imagine new possibilities, it can change the way they see themselves. That's one reason I'd like to explore expanding educator recruitment partnerships and encouraging more positive male role models and father figures to become involved in our schools and community.
At the same time, I believe accountability and opportunity go hand in hand.
Every student should be challenged.
Every student should be supported.
Every student should be encouraged to reach their full potential.
Those ideas aren't in conflict with one another.
They're what great education looks like.
At the end of the day, this isn't about politics.
It's about people.
Some students have dozens of adults cheering them on.
Others have very few.
I want to be the kind of School Board member who never forgets the students who need us most.
One Final Thought
Well... I hope this helped expand on some of my answers from tonight.
Maybe the forum covered every topic I anticipated.
Maybe it went in a completely different direction.
Maybe I had a mental blank on a question I had practiced a hundred times. It happens.
Or maybe someone asked a question I never saw coming.
That's the nature of a live forum, and honestly, I think that's part of what makes them so valuable.
No matter what happened tonight, if you're reading this, it means we both made it.
More importantly, it means you listened all the way through my closing remarks and decided to keep learning. That says a lot about the kind of community we can build together.
Of course, I'd be honored to earn your vote.
But what I really hope to earn is your partnership.
Our schools don't become stronger because of one election or one School Board member. They become stronger when parents, teachers, students, businesses, community organizations, and neighbors decide to work together toward a common goal.
The fact that you're here tells me we have a real chance to make that happen.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me, my ideas, and my vision for Pinellas County Schools.
Now I'd love to hear from you.
What did I miss?
What ideas do you have?
What would you like to see from your next School Board member?
Let's keep the conversation going.
Disclaimer: The views expressed here are solely those of Curtis Campogni, Candidate for Pinellas County School Board, District 3 (At-Large), and do not represent the official position of any organization or governing body.