Laurie Lawson Cox is set to be sworn in Tuesday as the newest member of the Leon County School Board. She says one of her first priorities is to ensure kids get back up to speed after many fell behind during the coronavirus pandemic.
Cox, who worked as an elementary school phys. ed teacher for more than 30 years, says getting kids caught up will require getting everyone—from parents to administrators—on the same page.
“One of my main goals is making sure that we have transparency and good communication between all of our stakeholders—all our admin, support staff, the teachers, the community members, the parents and the families, making sure that we all get on the same page, trying to make Leon County Schools the best it can be in the state of Florida," Cox says.
Cox says she looks forward to connecting with the people in her district and learning about the issues that affect them.
“For me, it’s getting out in the community of the different school communities and meeting the families, the parents, the teachers, the school staff and administrators," Cox says. "I love hearing from people, hearing their stories, and just to get a good grasp of the needs that are out there.”
Cox was a favorite during the election of the local Moms for Liberty Chapter. She says she has friends on both sides of the parental rights debate. She will take the seat previously held by DeeDee Rasmussen, who resigned in May. Darryl Jones, who retained his seat on the Leon County school board will also be sworn in Tuesday.