MILTON — After serving three terms on the Santa Rosa County School Board, and the last school year as board chairperson, Diane Scott has decided to not run for reelection.
“After almost 12 years of service, I have decided that I will not seek a fourth term on the Santa Rosa County School Board,” Scott said. “Since 2006, it has been my honor to represent District 1 on our school board. Santa Rosa County is known for its high-performing school district.”
As board member for District 1, Scott oversees Bagdad Elementary School, East Milton Elementary School, Hobbs Middle School, King Middle School, Milton High School, T.R. Jackson Pre-Kindergarten Center and W.H. Rhodes Elementary School.
“We are fortunate to have such dedicated teachers, involved parents and community members, hard-working students and an administration that prides itself on servant leadership. It has been a pleasure to be a small part of the team.”
With Scott not seeking reelection, the only current candidate for District 1 is Linda Sanborn of Milton who is running as no party affiliation.
“Elected public service is a privilege. It should not be a career. I believe now is the time for me to step down and make way for new energy and fresh ideas,” Scott said. “I want to express my gratitude to my friends and family for their encouragement through the years. I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to the citizens of Santa Rosa County for their support.”
Scott received a bachelor’s degree in social work from Kansas State University, a masters degree in social work from University of South Carolina and a doctorate degree in social work from Catholic University of America.
Aside from working on the school board, Scott is also an associate dean, professor, and interim chair for the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of West Florida. She also serves on the Board of Directors of Northwest Florida Council on Aging, Bridges Out of Poverty and Child Guardian ad Litem.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Scott abstains from school board reelection