Central Florida school board candidates: Brevard County

By Spectrum News Staff Florida

PUBLISHED 2:23 PM ET Aug. 05, 2024 PUBLISHED 2:23 PM EDT Aug. 05, 2024

FLORIDA — Nine school districts across Central Florida are holding elections this November to fill school board district seats.

The primary will occur on Aug. 20, 2024. The general election will be on Nov. 5, 2024.

Each candidate received a series of questions in writing from Spectrum News 13 and had the chance to respond in their own words. Here’s a look at each candidate in every school board race and their response to News 13's questionnaire.

Brevard County

Board calendar

Early Voting | Aug. 10 -17

District 3 election

Incumbent | Jennifer Jenkins
- Term ends | Nov. 19, 2024

Candidates running for District 3:

John Thomas
- John is a lifelong resident of Brevard County with a background in education, athletics, law enforcement and business. The key issues he is running on include early childhood education, vocational training, school safety and affordable housing for Brevard County Public School teachers and staff. Read more about John Thomas.
Amber Jean Yantz
- The key issues Amber is running on include VPK programs, protecting parental rights and empowering teachers, raising career and technical education visibility. Read more about Amber's campaign.

District 3 represents these schools:

Central Middle
Columbia Elementary
Deluara Middle
Gemini Elementary
Holland Elementary
Hoover Middle
Indialantic Elementary
Meadowlane Intermediate Elementary
Meadowlane Primary Elementary
Ocean Breeze Elementary
Palm Bay Elementary
Palm Bay High
Port Malabar Elementary
Riviera Elementary
Satellite High
Sea Park Elementary
Stone Middle
Surfside Elementary
West Shore Jr/Sr High

District 4 election

Incumbent | Matt Susin
- Term Ends | Nov. 19, 2024

Candidates running for District 4:

Matt Susin
- Matt has 17 years of experience serving Brevard County Public Schools. Some of the key issues he is running on include strengthening career and technical education opportunites, safe and secure schools, and partnering with parents. Read more about Matt Susin.
Keith Schachter
- Keith has spent 17 years in public education. Some of the issues he is running on include parent engagement, innovative curriculum, stand against testing, prioritize mental health, expand career & technical education, and expand mentorship & internships for students. Read more about Keith Schachter.
Avanese "Ava" Taylor
- Ava has served in the United States Navy for 17 years and has an education background in psychology. Some key issues she is running on, include school safety, parent/teacher collaboration, and accountable leadership. Read more about Avanese Taylor.
Max Madl
- Max is a recent graduate of Brevard County Public Schools (May, 2024). Some of the issues he is running on include school safety, mental health and expanding career and technical education. Read more about Max Madl.

District 4 represents these schools: