Thomas Kennedy files for Re-Election 2026
Thomas Kennedy files for Re-Election 2026
Today, I am proud to announce that I have officially filed to seek re-election to continue serving Citrus County as the District 1 School Board Member for my final term. It has been an honor to serve, and I look forward to building on our many successes while continuing to work every day for the students, families, staff, and community who rely on Citrus County Schools.
The Citrus County School District has a strong and respected record of achievement, earning recognition at both the state and national levels. Even in recent years marked by significant challenges for students, families, and staff, the district has continued to move forward with resilience, purpose, and measurable success.
What I am most proud of is the collective work that has expanded innovative and meaningful opportunities for Citrus County students. Our focus must remain on delivering rigorous, engaging, and relevant learning experiences that prepare students to thrive in an increasingly advanced and technology driven world. This commitment to student success is the foundation of our progress and guides every decision we make.
During my service, I have been humbled to receive several honors that reflect this shared effort and community focus, including:
- The Florida School Boards Association’s Bridge Builder Award for positive initiatives implemented throughout our community and state (2023)
- The STAR Florida School Board Member of the Year by the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations, the only statewide annual award presented to one school board member (2018)
- The Phil Royal Legacy Foundation’s Heart of Gold Award for advancing the Phil Royal Emergency Medical Technician Program (2021).
You are best represented by someone in leadership positions within their organization. In 2022, I was elected the 55th President of the Florida School Boards Association, becoming the first Citrus County School Board member to hold this position. I continue to provide a strong local voice at the state level by building meaningful relationships with legislative and education leaders. This role created new opportunities to showcase Citrus County students, staff, schools, and programs to education leaders across Florida.
As the parent of two Citrus County Schools graduates and the husband of a teacher with more than thirty years of classroom experience in our district, I understand firsthand the needs and challenges facing our students, families, and staff. I am a strong supporter of parental choice and parental voice in education. I will continue to advocate for meaningful parent involvement through School Advisory Councils, Student Code of Conduct development, the Student Progression Plan Team, the School Calendar Committee, state curriculum adoption input, and many other opportunities for engagement.
I remain committed to continuing expanding programs and pathways for students who are not college-bound, while also strengthening opportunities for those who are. Citrus County Schools is a statewide leader in workforce certification programs, offering more than 150 Career and Technical Education courses that lead to over 60 industry certifications. These programs connect to 34 program-of-study pathways across our three high schools, our public charter school, and through dual enrollment at Withlacoochee Technical College. These programs benefit both direct-to-career and college-bound students, fill critical workforce needs in our community, and change lives. This past year, a Citrus County Schools CTE teacher was named a top-five finalist for Florida Teacher of the Year. We must continue to recruit, retain, and support world-class educators. Over the past four years alone, we have seen the largest expansion of CTE programs in district history, including the Academy of Health Careers expansion with the Phil Royal EMT Program, Certified Veterinary Assistant, welding at each school, Citrus High School Construction Academy, and the districtwide Space Florida Space Academy. This year, we are building on this by developing additional pathways in aerospace, Fire fighter and EMT at Withlacoochee Technical College.
I proudly support our district’s deep commitment to honoring our country and state. That love of country is woven into the very fabric of Citrus County Schools. I was serving as School Board Chairman when our district became the nation’s first Purple Heart School District, a distinction that reflects our enduring respect for military service and sacrifice. Today, Citrus County remains a beacon of patriotism and service, with all 23 schools designated as Florida Purple Star Schools. We support outstanding Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps programs at each high school, all of which have earned the Distinguished Unit Award. One of the largest Veterans in the Classroom programs in the country brings local veterans into our schools to teach students that patriotism is demonstrated through action, not just words. Veterans Day celebrations, student-led initiatives, flag ceremonies, and schoolwide events continue to reinforce service, gratitude, character, and civic pride throughout our district.
Together, we have ensured that Citrus County not only provides students with critical digital skills and tools, but also leads the state in the responsible use of artificial intelligence in education. I was honored to serve as a founding member of the Florida K–12 AI in Education Task Force and as Chairman of the FSBA AI in Education Committee. In these roles, I have worked to ensure that critical thinking and human judgment remain central in every classroom as we prepare students for the world they must enter and succeed in.
Accessibility and communication remain essential to serving our community effectively. Since being elected, I have worked diligently to remain accessible and transparent. I have written and published nearly 1000 columns highlighting successes of our students in our classrooms, schools, and public education system, as well as addressing challenges and needs. Through an active blog and social media presence, my communications reach nearly 10,000 readers each month. I have also worked with local newspaper editorial boards to better inform the public about public education issues locally and statewide.
Together, we will continue working to meet the needs of our students, families, staff, and schools. I respectfully ask for your continued support in this election and in the important work ahead.
Thomas Kennedy
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