Where I Stand on 20 Education Issues in Pinellas County Schools
Updated: Oct 2
By Curtis Campogni, Candidate for Pinellas County School Board (District 3 – At-Large)
Recently, someone said to me, “Dude, I don’t know where you stand.” At first, that bugged me a little, considering I post full speeches and sometimes way-too-long blogs explaining exactly what I think and the solutions I’d put forward. 😂
But fine...for this blog, I’m going to keep it simple: 20 topics. No more than three sentences each.
Let’s see if I can actually do it. lol
1. School Safety
Top priority. Not just locked doors, but students feeling safe enough to actually learn.
2. Teacher Pay
Let’s raise it. If we don’t take care of teachers, everything else falls apart.
3. Parent Communication
Transparent and two-way. Parents shouldn’t have to chase information.
4. Artificial Intelligence in Schools
Smart tools, not replacements. Technology should support teachers, not replace them.
5. School Sports
Let’s expand opportunities like girls' flag football.
6. Budget Transparency
Non-negotiable. If people can’t understand the budget, we’ve already lost trust.
7. School Closures
Thoughtful transitions to the K-8 model. These decisions impact families deeply, so they can’t be rushed.
8. Staff Support
Real feedback and real support. Not just expectations without resources.
9. Equity
No child is overlooked, especially foster youth and DJJ-involved students who are often invisible in the system.
10. Career Pathways
College, trades, and GED options. Success doesn’t look the same for every student.
11. Vouchers
Tax dollars should stay in public schools. We can’t weaken the system most families rely on.
12. School Board Meetings
Let’s elevate them. These should be conversations the community actually wants to engage in.
13. Weapon Detection
One part of safety. Not the whole solution, but it needs to work if we’re going to use it.
14. Student Behavior
Accountability and intervention. We can’t ignore behavior, and we can’t ignore the root causes either.
15. Empathy in Schools
I’ll teach it. Understanding different perspectives is a skill, not a political issue.
16. Co-Location
Only with aligned programs. Otherwise, it becomes competition, and students feel that.
17. Book Removals
Take a breath. There is currently a process for restricting access in your household.
18. Parent Involvement
I’m one, of course. Parents should feel like partners, not outsiders.
19. Teacher Retention
Listen to them and pay them. If we’re losing good teachers, we need to ask why.
20. Student Mental Health
More social workers and counselors. If students aren’t okay, nothing else works.
Closing
That’s where I stand. Well… kind of. The quick version. 😂
Now I want to hear from you. What are yours?
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.
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