ENDORSEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT
Velton Hodges Endorses Bridget Ziegler!
References Ziegler's Commitment To Elementary School Security
Recognizes Her Passion & Desire To Serve On The School Board
Believes "Bridget Is The Best Person To Fill The School Board Seat"
Today, Bridget Ziegler announced the support of Velton Hodges. Velton has 46 years of experience in Sarasota County schools, graduated from Sarasota High School, served as a teacher for 22 years and ran as a candidate in the August 26th Primary Election for Sarasota County School Board, District 1.
Having received the endorsements from Velton Hodges and Paul Schafer, Bridget Ziegler has completed a "sweep of endorsements" from candidates who ran against Bridget and her opponent in the School Board District 1 race during the primary election.
Statement from Velton Hodges:
"Over the last few weeks, I have had the opportunity to reflect upon the primary election and my campaign. I enjoyed the experience and hoped the issue of restoring security to our elementary schools would not leave the scene with me.
Following the primary, I was asked by both Ken Marsh [Bridget’s opponent] and Bridget Ziegler for my endorsement. My initial reaction and response was that I would not endorse either one. Frankly, I had not expected to be asked, although during the campaign, Bridget Ziegler had more than once told me she supported my school security position. When she called on election night, she re-stated her support, and pledged to keep the issue moving. I met with Bridget a few days later, and we discussed at length my concerns and thoughts on the security issue. Bridget has taken on this issue and soon will reveal her specific plans to make sure our schools are safe. At the close of that meeting, Bridget asked for my endorsement.
After much thought, I have decided to endorse and support Bridget Ziegler.
Although I was critical of Bridget’s lack of school system experience during my campaign, over the past few days, I have been reminded of the fact that we are not born with experience. We have all at some point in time lacked experience in our careers. Level of experience should not be the reason to disqualify one from a job. More important is a person’s passion and desire to do the job well. I believe Bridget Ziegler has those qualities. I believe Bridget Ziegler is the best person to fill the School Board seat.
Bridget will bring a new, positive perspective to the School Board.
I am happy to endorse Bridget Ziegler for School Board District 1 and encourage you to join me and vote for her."
Statement from Bridget Ziegler:
“With 46 years of experience in Sarasota County schools, Velton Hodges has committed his career to education in Sarasota County and I’m honored and humbled to have his endorsement.
Teachers are a vital portion of the education equation and I look forward to working with Velton, who served as a teacher for 22 years and represented them countywide as President of the Teachers Union, to ensure that our great teachers are empowered, recognized and rewarded. Additionally, Sarasota County must be in a position to recruit and retain the best teachers possible, as well as ensure that our teachers have the resources necessary to provide our children with a world class education.
One specific issue that Velton and I have discussed at length, is the absence of security in our elementary schools. In my opinion, no hurdle should be too high for us to overcome in order to ensure that we provide the security and deterrence necessary to protect our most vulnerable and innocent citizens - our children. My daughter will be entering kindergarden in just a few years and, as a member of the School Board, I will be focused on ensuring that both she, and every child in Sarasota County, is protected at school."
About Velton Hodges:
Velton Hodges has 46 years of experience within Sarasota County schools. He is a graduate of Sarasota High School (71), received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from the University of Georgia (75) and a Master's in Education from the University of Georgia (77).
As a teacher in Sarasota County for 22 years, Velton has worked at both Brookside Junior High School and Garden Elementary School. In addition to his teaching career, Velton served as the President of the Sarasota Classified Teachers Association for 12 years and worked directly with Superintendents Charles Fowler, Tom Gaul, Gene Witt, David Bennett and Wilma Hamilton. Velton has also served two terms on the Education Foundation Board of Directors, on The United Way Board of Directors and was appointed by Governor Bob Martinez (reappointed by Governor Lawton Chiles) to the Education Standards Commission for the State of Florida.
Velton retired from teaching in 2012. His wife, Richa, has worked at Emma E. Booker Elementary School for almost 36 years. They have two daughters, Ashley and Kalen, both of whom graduated from Booker High School.