Heidi Brandt seeks Sarasota school board District 1 seat

Heidi Brandt is running for Sarasota County School Board District 1 in the Nov. 3 general election. The nonpartisan seat was previously held by Bridget Ziegler.

Asked why she is running, Brandt said in our candidate questionnaire:

"I'm running for Sarasota County School Board first and foremost because I have a child in public school. She was my inspiration to run, but I'm not just in this race for her. I believe every child deserves the opportunity to find their own path to success."

Brandt, 46, faces Jimmy Glover in the general election after no candidate cleared 50% in the Aug. 18 primary. Glover finished first with approximately 44% of the vote and Brandt finished second with approximately 32%, according to WUSF.

Candidate information

Residence: Lido Key. Brandt has been a full-time Sarasota County resident for 13 years, according to Your Observer.

Party affiliation: "Republican Party," Brandt said in our questionnaire. The school board race is nonpartisan.

Education: "BS in Health and Exercise Physiology," Brandt said in our questionnaire.

Occupation: "Currently proud stay-at home mom," Brandt said in our questionnaire.

Family: "My parents are retired educators. I have a grandmother who is still living, she turned 100-years old this past June! I have one younger brother who lives in MN with his family." Brandt said in our questionnaire.

"My husband is a retired commodities traders. Our daughter is in 4th grade in Sarasota County Public School. I also have older step-children, who are grown adults now. Don't blink!"

Previous offices: "No past elected or appointed offices. Served on many boards," Brandt said in our questionnaire.

Campaign fundraising: Brandt's campaign raised more than $48,000 ahead of the August primary, according to Florida Politics.

Experience and public service

Brandt served as co-chair of the Republican Party of Sarasota County's school board committee and as vice president of the Republican Women's Club of Sarasota, according to Florida Politics. She has also served as president of the Southside Elementary PTO, a reading partner with Sarasota County Schools and a Sunday school volunteer at Covenant Life Church, Brandt said on her campaign website. She said she is the incoming president of the Southside Foundation for the Arts.

On the issues

Asked about the critical differences between herself and other candidates, Brandt said in our questionnaire:

"I've served as PTO president, volunteered as a Reading Partner, and currently serve as president of the Southside School Foundation for the Arts. Those experiences have given me a firsthand understanding of what is happening in our classrooms, what families are experiencing, and how much our teachers do every day."

She added: "Most importantly, I'm a listener and a uniter. I believe we can put aside the noise, listen to one another, and make decisions based on what is best for our students."

Asked how her family's background in education shaped her approach, Brandt said in our questionnaire:

"Both of my parents were public-school educators. My dad was a life science and biology teacher before becoming a high school principal, and my mom was a high school math teacher. I grew up seeing how much of their lives they devoted to their students and schools."

She added: "I want teachers to know that I see their commitment, I value their expertise, and I will always advocate for the support and respect they deserve."

On school choice, Brandt said she supports giving parents choices because they know their children best. She said the Florida Family Empowerment Scholarship was created with good intentions but should be continually evaluated and improved, with stronger accountability, better tracking of students and greater transparency, according to Your Observer.

Asked what she wants undecided voters to know, Brandt said in our questionnaire:

"I have spent years earning the trust of our families, teachers, and schools - not just talking about education, but showing up and doing the work … I'm also extremely fiscally conservative. I believe every taxpayer dollar must be spent responsibly, transparently, and where it benefits students most."