Angie Straughn has lived in Santa Rosa County for 33 years. She is a consultant and project manager with Registry Partners Inc.
Q: School safety is always a hot button issue for parents. Are there additional safety measures you are in support of if you’re elected?
A: Ensuring a sufficient number of trained school resource officers are available to respond to emergencies and provide a sense of security. Maintaining open lines of communication with parents, students, and staff to keep them informed of health and safety protocols.
Q: What do you see as the biggest infrastructure needs for the school district over the next five to ten years?
A: We are currently 14 years behind the growing curve for our schools. I think that the first option that comes to my mind is to continue to build more schools to be able to support our growing community.
Q: Ultimately, test scores serve as a report card for a district and provide an easy way for parents/staff to evaluate performance. Looking at current test scores, how do you evaluate the status of the Santa Rosa School District?
A: While the school district’s FAST test scores have improved from the 2022-2023 scores by 50% for 2023-2024, there is still work to be done to improve to Santa Rosa County standards.
Q: If you were asked to highlight an area where you see the biggest opportunity for growth/improvement in the school district, what would you choose?
A: Improving Communication. Returning parents and guardians phone calls and responding to all emails. Establishing clear, open lines of communication between schools and families to keep parents informed and involved in their children’s education. As a candidate I have received phone calls, emails and direct messages on social media from parents and guardians who have questions, but their school board members never returned their correspondence.
Q: Why should a voter choose you over your opponent? Most political candidates will tell you they are a good person, who works hard and has the best interest of students in mind. So we recommend keeping that in mind as you write your answer.
A: Having lived in Santa Rosa County for 33 years, I understand our community’s needs and values and am committed to its well-being. With an associate’s degree in science and experience as an accreditation consultant and project manager, I bring valuable management and policy implementation skills. As an active community volunteer, I have demonstrated my deep care and commitment to our county’s success and prosperity, working hands-on to address our community’s needs. I prioritize honesty, integrity, and common sense in decision-making, ensuring actions are in the best interests of our students and community.
Charles Elliott, the incumbent in this race, did not reply by press time.