MEA TIGER

The MEA/TIGER Board’s decision was based on Harold Byrd’s understanding of the following:

• the role of a school board member
• the relationship of a school board member to MEA and its leadership
• the interest and resolve to advocate for the School District of Manatee County with the Legislature
• the plan to reach out to teachers and other employees before decisions are made
• the resolve to support public education and those who work in the schools

Harold E. Byrd, Jr., is running for the Manatee County School Board District 2. He is the youngest of four children born to former Manatee County educators. He attended and graduated from public schools in the county before leaving for college.

He served five terms on the City of Bradenton City Council representing Ward 5. To be better prepared as a decision maker, he worked hard to obtain a Law Degree from Florida A & M University College of Law. To complement his law degree, he later obtained a Master of Public Administration degree focusing on public policy and public administration. He saw firsthand the compassion, dedication and work ethics exhibited by his mother, Former School Board Member Ruby Byrd in her public service.

During the economic downturn he had the opportunity to represent a city with manageable growth, strong law enforcement and public safety with reasonable taxes. During that time while on the city council tough decisions were made and Bradenton remained financially sound. Harold Byrd, Jr. says, “I am grateful to the citizens for the support over the years and will strive to work tirelessly as your Manatee County School Board Member making the same type of tough decisions in educating our kids.”

Along with the Florida AFL-CIO, the Florida Education Association endorses Charlie Crist as the next governor of Florida. Throughout his political career, Crist has been a strong supporter of Florida’s students and public schools. As governor, he stood up to defend teachers from destructive legislation affecting their salaries, evaluations, and job security, vetoing SB 6 in 2010. A year later, the changes in SB 6 passed and became law, setting Florida on the path toward the massive teacher shortage that we see today.    

After he is elected as governor this fall, Crist pledges to fully fund public schools to ensure that all students have the resources they need to succeed. To address staffing shortages, Crist will: 

• Fight to increase average teacher salaries, for both new teachers and for the experienced educators who have been penalized under current laws affecting pay. 
• Increase educator retention by allowing experienced teachers to earn multi-year contracts instead of facing termination annually.
• Take practical steps to strengthen the teacher pipeline so that our districts can recruit more educators.
• Value teachers and support staff, and work to develop policies that recognize their worth. 

We will be calling FEA members around the state each Thursday evening, Saturday morning and Saturday afternoon from now until Election Day with the goal of ensuring members get out and vote. To reach this goal, we need your help! Please sign up for at least one phone-banking shift.

DON’T FORGET TO RETURN YOUR MAIL BALLOT!
Either mail or hand deliver your ballot to the Supervisor of Elections Office.

Early Voting Schedule for 2022 General Election

Early Voting Days/Hours:   

Monday, October 24, 2022 - Sunday, November 6, 2022
8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  daily

Early Voting Locations:

• Supervisor of Elections Office, 600 301 Blvd. W. #118 Bradenton
• Palmetto Library, 923 6^th St W, Palmetto
• Rocky Bluff Library, 6750 U.S. Hwy 301, Ellenton
• Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch
• Manatee County Utilities Administrative Offices, 4410 66^th St. W., Bradenton