Cecilia Trotter, a former elementary teacher in Brevard County, has announced her candidacy for the Brevard School Board District 5. She says the current board lacks input from educators and has mishandled recent issues involving students, teachers, and families. Trotter, who has worked in Florida schools for nearly two decades, says she wants to bring a different perspective to the board.
Trotter holds a bachelor’s degree in Italian Studies from Florida State University and has completed education coursework at Florida Atlantic University. She also has a real estate license and certifications in reading and ESOL education. Over the past year, she has participated in professional development programs focused on classroom discipline and multisensory learning techniques.
She has been actively involved in her community, supporting school events and her daughters’ extracurricular activities. Trotter says she has seen the board become increasingly contentious with the public, restricting community members from speaking during recorded meetings and dismissing concerns from parents and students.
Trotter specifically criticized the board’s lack of transparency around budget decisions and its failure to push back against state policies she says are harming public schools. She says educators are not being heard in decision-making processes and that the board’s approach has created a disconnect between school leaders and the community.
Trotter’s campaign focuses on restoring trust between the school board and families, improving transparency, and ensuring that educators have a stronger voice in policy decisions. She plans to highlight her experience in the classroom and her commitment to addressing the needs of students and staff in District 5.