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Copyright 2009 Silke Endress Magazine P.O. Box 2802 Orlando, FL 32802 |
Sandy Robinson is serving her last term on the School Board of Seminole County and has served half of these years as the elected chairman of the board. Seminole County has the best public school system bar none. Sandy's leadership has been absolutely incredible in establishing state-of-the-art curriculum and ensuring our students are prepared to enter the next phases of their lives with the competitive advantage. She has nurtured dreams of students, parents have witnessed their child's potential, and top national publications have recognized the success of Sandy and her team's leadership in Seminole's public school system. |
During Sandy's tenure the district has sought and achieved unitary status. Dating back to 1970, Seminole County was under Federal Court order requiring Federal oversight on school sites, construction, student assignment, faculty placement, and extra curricular activates. In fall of 2005, the Federal government lifted the order and declared that there are equal opportunities for students in Seminole County Public Schools. The district reaches out to the business and parental community to help make Seminole County a sought after location for business development and residential living. Sandy has helped and will continue to build relationships that contribute to the district successes. A number of organizations have recognized Sandy's advocacy of public education. She was the recipient of the Power of Ten award given by HKS architects, Orlando, Florida. HKS selected Sandy, along with nine others, for her work to make Central Florida a world class community. Additionally, in June of 2005, Florida School Boards Association recognized her service with the President's Award, honoring her for her long term commitment to education and a better future for the children in the state of Florida. Her leadership skills are reflected in the district's excellent ranking in the state as well as the outstanding operational accomplishments. The school district's grade from the state has been an A for four straight years, 94% of the schools are ranked A or B, school tax millage assessed to property owners has dropped 11 straight years, Standard and Poor's bonding rating of the district is AA, classroom expenditures rank second in state and administration costs rank 14th out of 67 counties. Sandy earned a track record of success in forming relevant coalitions targeted in improving public education. Most recently she helped form the Central Florida Public School Boards Coalition which includes nine Central Florida districts representing one third of the students in the state. She served as the coalition's chairman for the first two years. The work of the coalition has brought more funding dollars to the member districts and effectively changed legislation. Robinson has been active in education for over 30 years as a parent, PTA member, dividend, school advisory member, and school board member. She is involved in organizations such as Leadership Seminole, Class of 2006, and Seminole County Regional Chamber of Commerce, and attends the Private Business Association meetings and is active in her church, St. Peter's Episcopal, Lake Mary. Sandy has a degree in Fine and Professional Arts and a minor in business from Kent State University, Kent, Ohio. She supports her husband, Garry, in his business. Their three children are all graduates of Lake Mary High School with advanced degrees from either Florida State University or the University of Florida. She and Garry are also proud grandparents! |