Longtime teacher files to run for School Board

By BARBARA BEHRENDT

© St. Petersburg Times, published May 30, 2000

CRYSTAL RIVER -- Crystal River native and longtime teacher Virginia Bryant has filed paperwork to become the first challenger for the District 2 School Board seat held by Carl Hansen.

Bryant, 53, is a language arts teacher at Crystal River Middle School, where she has worked since 1972. She said her reasons for seeking the seat are simple.

"I care about kids," she said. "I've proven that in my 30 years in the classroom."

Bryant is no stranger to politics. In 1988, she ran an unsuccessful campaign for the state House of Representatives. For the first time this year, the School Board race is non-partisan and Bryant said she is pleased with that. "Let's face it, children are not Republicans or Democrats," she said. "I just want to bring a freshness into the board room."

Her platform will focus on improving the quality of education.

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