2026 Fighting for Vets Awards
School Board Members
After completing our Policy Alignment Questionnaire, we have interviewed and reviewed the policymaking records and found these public servants to be great Americans. Congratulate and Thank Them for their Service.
Deen Lancaster- Chairman
lelelenahShhShGilchrist County School Board Member and Current Chairman:
Thank You for:
- Supporting a thriving JROTC program
- Being Fiscally Conservative by canceling the contract with out-of-area contractors for an expensive school that wasn't needed (1)
- Working with Republican Leadership in Tallahassee by bringing $26 Million to the district to better maintain and improve the schools students already attend. (2)
- Promoting the hiring of LOCAL contractors and vendors, especially those who employ at least 15% military veterans
- Always Fighting for Veterans and Showing Vets Respect
1. Canceled Unneeded School Building
Roy Smith- School Board Member
Gilchrist County School Board Member:
Thank you for:
- Supporting a thriving JROTC Program
- Supporting patriotic programs presented by veteran groups such as the VFW, American Legion, or others.
- Working with Republican Leadership in Tallahassee by bringing $26 Million to the district to better maintain and improve the schools we have
- Promoting the hiring of LOCAL contractors and vendors, especially those who employ at least 15% military veterans
- Always Fighting for Veterans and Showing Vets Respect
Cindy Spray- Chairwoman
Manatee County School Board Chairwoman:
Thank you for:
- Supporting a thriving JROTC Program
- Supporting patriotic programs presented by veteran groups such as the VFW, American Legion, or others.
- Working with Republican Leadership at County Commission by bringing $2.6 Million back to the district (1) to fund salaries, programs, and maintenance for student success!
- Promoting the hiring of LOCAL contractors and vendors, especially those who employ at least 15% military veterans
- Always Fighting for Veterans and Showing Vets Respect
Jessie Thompson- School Board Member
Volusia County School Board Member & Past Chairwoman
Thank you for:
- Supporting a thriving JROTC Program
- Supporting patriotic programs presented by veteran groups such as the VFW, American Legion, or others.
- Working to build at least 24 layers of security at every school
- Continues to support expanding Career and Technical Education certifications before graduation.
- Providing a unique policymaking perspective of parents with children currently in the school district.
- Promoting the hiring of LOCAL contractors and vendors, especially those who employ at least 15% military veterans
- Being a proud daughter of a military veteran.
- Always Fighting for Veterans and Showing Vets Respect