Rick Warrener is a candidate for School Board District 3 in 2020. On 7/28/2020, we sent him our survey, which he returned on 7/29/2020. His website is https://KidsFirstFlorida.com https://KidsFirstFlorida.com


Question 1


The school to prison pipeline continues to impact Black children at disproportionate rates. Children as young as six years old have been hauled out of Florida schools in handcuffs for normal child behavior (like tantrums). Suspensions and expulsions are more likely to impact Black children. As a school board member, how will you combat this racial inequities? *


Each of the five questions has the common denominator of the need for more resources to help accomplish better outcomes. More resources are a combination of more funding and better coordination of available resources.

Disruptive behavior occurs at all ages. It needs to be addressed in younger children largely through prevention via Pre-kindergarten and Head Start programs and parenting workshops, and programs such
as HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Pre-school Youngsters). Older children can be helped to see the value of becoming engaged in their own education by that special teacher, counselor, mentor, or community member. Hillsborough County currently plans to staff just two “Family Opportunity Centers” with a social worker to help parents navigate the wide range of social services available. The school district would like to expand the use of Family Opportunity Centers but is limited by the funding provided by the state legislature. Florida ranks 44th among the states in per-pupil funding for K-12 Public Education. The legislature’s funding is also less than adequate for the Department of Children and Families and the Department of Juvenile Justice.


Question 2


Gay, queer and trans youth still face bullying, harassment and exclusion in Hillsborough County schools. This is especially true for gay, queer and trans youth of color. How will you advocate for LGBTQ youth in all county schools? *


The school district has a clear anti-bullying policy in place. More resources in the form of mental health counselors are needed to counsel both the student who has been bullied and the one who has been the bully and to help all students understand the challenges faced by their LGBTQ classmates.


Question 3


Far too often, parents/guardians are forced to work multiple jobs, or for whatever reason beyond the child's control, are not able to be as present in their child's academic life. This is especially true for poor children. How will you ensure that all children, regardless of their socio-economic status or household conditions, have access to a quality education? *


This potentially tragic reality for the children of poor families can be best addressed through the combined efforts on an entire community; parents, teachers, counselors, social workers, community leaders, charities and the Department of Children and Families.


Question 4


Mental health is a growing crisis in the United States. Children are often put into stressful situations in their homes, communities, and the world at large. Often times, there are little to no resources for their mental health. How will ensure children who are struggling with trauma/mental health are cared for and valued within Hillsborough County schools? *


The Hillsborough schools have one of the highest ratios of mental health counselors to students in the state. We must find a way to make more mental health counseling available to those in need. Thankfully, we have a great advocate on the board, Karen Perez, who focuses on this problem. I would support her efforts.


Question 5


Our educators are undervalued and overworked. How will you advocate for all educators to ensure they have the resources they need, and are supported to help our children not just learn, but thrive? *


Yes, our educators are undervalued and overworked. Florida’s average teacher salaries rank 47th among the states. That is disgraceful for the third largest state in the nation. Citizens must awaken to the fact that this will not change until voters’ demand that their legislators place a top priority on the funding of K-12 Public Education, the Department of Children and Families and the Department of Juvenile Justice.


Review what other candidates are in this race at School Board Candidates (2020 Primary).