Published: August 13, 2008 04:33 pm            

Meet your local Candidates

The following individuals are campaigning for the office of Lafayette County School Board, Districts 2 and 4.

District 2



Troy Hamlin

I am Troy Hamlin and I am seeking the office of school board District 2. I am the son of Donnie and Christy Hamlin and Linda Koon Oliver. I have been happily married to Holly Hart Hamlin for almost 20 years. We have two wonderful children, Lindsey and Cody. I graduated from LHS in 1984 and attended North Florida Community College to obtain a Certificate in Corrections. I began my career in corrections at Mayo Correctional in 1985. I have been trained in various areas throughout my career that is helpful in leadership and everyday life.

For the last 12 years, I have been fortunate to be able to volunteer my time as a coach and mentor to the children of Lafayette County. These opportunities to work with the children of this community have been an enriching experience that I treasure. Since I have two children in the school system, I know some of the concerns of the parents. I have spoken with many parents, teachers, staff and administrators of our school, who have shared their concerns and some issues. I will make every effort to address these and all other concerns and issues. I have been active in my children’s lives and understand that we need to be involved with all of our children to make a difference.

If given the opportunity to serve the children and the community as a school board member, I will be active and available to everyone. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at 386-294-3803. Thank you to everyone that I have visited for your hospitality and I appreciate your consideration.



Tracey Henderson

My name is Tracey S. Henderson and I am seeking the position of Lafayette School District board member District 2.

I completed my education at Lafayette High in 1988 and have been a resident here for the majority of my life. I have a sincere passion for this wonderful community and the children of it.

I have three children Austin, 16, 11th grade, Jacob, 11, sixth grade, and Christian, nine, third grade. Because of my commitment to my own children’s education, I believe, unequivocally, in the value of public education and the importance of serving the needs of all students, regardless of their abilities and backgrounds.

I have served as a board member of the Lafayette Little League and currently serve with the Lafayette Babe Ruth. I am an active member of the Lafayette Band Boosters. My children and I are members of Alton Church of God where I teach Sunday school and work with the youth.

I have a desire to work toward a stronger relationship between the board and the public it serves. As a school board member, I would strive to develop a rapport with the other members, teachers, and all staff and administrators.

If elected, I will make a commitment to the time and energy required each week for meetings, phone calls, conversations, visits to schools, and professional development workshops.

Your vote and support will be greatly appreciated. Early voting will begin August 11 and the polls will be open on August 26.



Henry McCray

My name is Henry McCray. I am the son of Harold and Helene McCray, married for 31 years to Cindy Land McCray, daughter of Yondell and Marie Land. We have three sons, Justin, Stephen and Lance. I graduated from LHS in 1976 and knew right away I would like to get involved in our school system in some capacity.

In 1977 I helped with coaching, cooking and other activities. I later became elected to the school board. I have always done my best for the students, teachers parents and staff to assure our school has all the tools needed to provide a quality education.

Some of the projects I have been a part of are new high school, gym, band room, ball fields, elementary classrooms 2006-07 and 2007-08, track resurfacing, bleachers, elementary track, just to name a few.

We also became a SACS accredited school in 2007 in 2007 and our schools graded at 95% on our adequate yearly progress report number one in the state public school system.

Our electric bill has been lowered for the past 2 1/2 years by sending someone around our schools cutting off any unnecessary usage after school. We also lowered our millage rate this year so our taxes would not increase. While other districts have had layoffs we have actually hired teachers.

Our school district is also financially sound. I will always try to help our students, parents, staff and taxpayers have a school district they can be proud of. Thanks for your consideration on August 11-23 and August 26.

— Henry McCray





District 4



Virginia Coker

My name is Virginia Land Coker. I am seeking the office of school board member District 4. I was born in District 4 in the Hatch Bend area. My husband, two sons, two daughter-in-laws, and three grandchildren, as well as many extended family members, live in Hatch Bend. My roots run deep just as my love for Lafayette County.

For 12 years I rode the school bus from Hatch Bend to Mayo and graduated from LHS. Prior to teaching I worked in our family business. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree, I was hired to teach at LHS. I have also taught pre-K, kindergarten, first and fifth grades at LES. In 1998, I earned a master’s degree in Education. I have written classroom grants and worked on school improvement plans. My heart is in educating and helping children.

I will put our children’s education first by continuously working to improve our schools. At the same time, I will work to get the most for our tax dollars. I promise I will always be available to you. I will listen and communicate with you openly and honestly.

Thank you for your consideration and I humbly ask for your vote on Aug. 26.



Terry Fillyaw

I am a lifelong resident of this wonderful area. I love raising my family in this community. Between my wife Dana and I, we have four children who will someday graduate from Lafayette county schools.

I am a veteran educator with hands-on experience in the classroom. I hold two Florida teaching certifications. I have worked 20 years in small and large school districts teaching and coaching at the elementary, middle, high school, college and adult education levels.

Your child’s education is serious business and will be THE top priority! Even with school budget cuts near crisis level, graduation rates must increase and no educator lose their job. Our young people must have a safe learning environment everyday with facilities that are second to none. I will work to keep class sizes small. Studies show that small class sizes usually equal better student performance.

I will create an account specifically for our children’s classroom needs. I will be a feet in the street school board member, helping teachers have what they need in their classrooms for the highest possible student performance!

Early voting time is NOW. When you think early voting - think Terry Fillyaw.



Lucie Gresham

My name is Lucie Gresham and I am running for school board District 4. I have been married to Mike Gresham for 24 years. We owned Gresham Tires and Accessories for 20 years where I worked with my husband as our bookkeeper. We have two children, Aaron, who is a LHS graduate, and Alex, who will be a sophomore this year.

I received my AA degree from North Florida Community College. In 1995, I began my tenure with our school system as a substitute teacher. In 1998, I was hired as Paraprofessional for PE at the elementary school. In 1999, I moved to the high school and worked in the middle and high school ESE department.

For the last two years, I have worked as a receptionist at Lafayette High School as well as working in the after school program. Five years ago, I became a sponsor for Youth Crime Watch and have been active with the teen summit meetings. I also was class sponsor for the class of 2007.

With my business background and my concerns for our children, I feel that I am qualified and well suited for the position of school board member representing district 4.



Amanda Hickman

To the voters of Layette County,

My name is Amanda Tidwell Hickman and I am running for the office of school board District 4. I am married to Mike Hickman and we have two children, Brittany and Lianna. I live in Lafayette County and graduated from Lafayette High School. For the past two years I have served as vice-president of the Lafayette Babe Ruth Softball Association. I am an active member of Ephesus Advent Christian Church, where I serve as treasurer and youth director. I have been employed here in Lafayette County for nine years.

As much as I would like to visit each person in the county, I also know that there isn’t enough time to do that. I would like to take this opportunity to ask for your vote to elect me as your school board member, I pledge to serve with enthusiasm, perseverance and loyalty to our children, teachers, parents and employees of our schools.

My dedication, education, honesty, integrity and my commitment to “Children First” qualifies me to serve as your school board member. I will try to do my best to make decisions based on the needs of our children, because I have children in school and I know first hand how these decisions affect them.

Thank you for your support.

Amanda Tidwell Hickman

        

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