Our endorsement for Brevard County School Board district 4

Things need to change on the Brevard County School Board.

While all three candidates challenging incumbent Matt Susin for the district 4 seat, bring a unique life experience and background to the table, we feel it's time we see someone with true leadership capabilities ― not a politician ― on the board.

That's why the FLORIDA TODAY Editorial Board is endorsing Avanese "Ava" Taylor, a still-active 18-year Navy veteran with a bachelor's degree in psychology, a master's in counseling, and a PhD in general psychology. Oh and by the way, she also is an electrician and a mother.

Her nearly two decades of naval experience means Taylor is capable of leading as well as following directives and we feel she will help bring civility, order and much-needed transparency to a board oft-criticized for lacking all three.

Viera High hazing prompted mom's Brevard school board run

For Taylor, it was a highly publicized hazing incident against her son at Viera High School that prompted her to become more active and ultimately led to her running for office.

"I was going to school board meetings, but I wasn't consistent," she told the Editorial Board. "But after that I really got in there and start going to all the school board meetings, became a part of the Discipline Plan Committee, and working on the the Code of Conduct for this upcoming school year. And I just decided, instead of just complaining, you know, just use my advocacy for action and really get involved."

We loved what Taylor said about transparency as well as the need to keep political affiliations away from the board table, saying the school board should be transparent with the public.

"You can have different views on things, but the public does deserve a right to know," she said.

Regarding the political agenda of some board members she added:

"We all belong to different different sides of the aisle or whatever, but it shouldn't matter," she said. "I think when things got so politically divisive, it's just a black eye to the district and and to the county. I want to do something different and at least, if nothing else, be the voice of reason. And I know as a school board member, one person, I can't do it all, but it's a group effort. But maybe with my voice and maybe a difference of opinion or just different outlook, maybe that can change some of the ways that the board is viewed."

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Board member Matt Susin criticized for his behavior

We endorsed Susin previously but the former teacher has seemingly lost sight of the non-partisan nature of the school board. Susin also has been accused by some current and former board members with making "unilateral decisions" without the board's knowledge or approval.

He has also been criticized over his conduct at school board meetings, often interrupting or shutting down the voices of critics, be they on the school board or from his employers ― the public. Things have gotten to the point where earlier this year the board brought in local attorney Kendall Moore to help change the board's public image.

Moore told the board that public perception is often driven by the way the board interacts with one another, and with the public, something that needed improvement. He recommended the board bring in a consultant to help.

Imagine that? A board needing to bring in a consultant to remind them to treat one another and the public with respect. Nope. It's time for a change. Susin is the only incumbent up for re-election this year in part because of redistricting —which itself seemed politically driven — that ended the incumbency of fellow board member Jennifer Jenkins.

Susin did not respond to the invitation sent out weeks before to meet with the editorial board until the morning of the forum. The Editorial Board then sent him the same questions we asked the other three candidates. Susin responded that he would email his responses the following day by noon. He did not.

School Board race has four candidates vying

Other candidates seeking to unseat Susin include 2024 Viera High School graduate Max Madl, who is an intriguing and exciting candidate offering a much-needed student perspective. We hope he stays involved in politics and continues to bring his ideas to the table. Also running is former teacher and businessman Keith Schachter, who is hoping to get local businesses more involved with the school district.

All three represent strong challengers to incumbent Susin. Schachter urged everyone to go on youtube to watch recent school board meetings and how the board members comport themselves.

"I'll be honest, I've been embarrassed," Schachter said. "Really, it's embarrassing to watch. It's sad. We've allowed negative politics to infiltrate our schools. We need to get back to working together."

Taylor, too, was stunned at the heated nature of school board meetings when she started them more regularly.

"I was like, wow, this is so contentious here and I think the moderate, nonpartisan approach is definitely needed," she said.

Unless one candidate gets more than 50% of the vote, there will be a runoff with the two top vote-getters, and a board member will be elected during the Nov. 5 general election. District 4 covers the central Brevard area, making up the Viera, Suntree and Satellite Beach area and part of Rockledge.

Madl made some good points when it came to the topic of student mental health, urging those in charge to consider the students themselves when it came to implementing programs and procedure. He pointed at "mental health lessons" online that the students watch.

"A major problem that kids have with them is they can't really relate," he said. "Again, it's made by the state, so I think it'd be a great idea to have kids involved in making those lessons just so they can make something that other students can relate to."

And Schachter ― who praised both Taylor and Madl ― spoke eloquently about being able to disagree and have passionate conversations but do so productively.

In the end it was Taylor's experience, education, background and demeanor that won us over.

"You can disagree with me on policy, but I should be able to listen to what you have to say and vice versa," she said. "And we can either come to a common ground or agree to disagree, but I haven't lost that mutual respect for you."

An attitude like that would be a most welcome and refreshing change to the school board.

This editorial was written by the FLORIDA TODAY Editorial Board, which consists of Executive Editor Mara Bellaby, Engagement Editor John A. Torres, Sports Editor Tim Walters and Sr. Marketing Director Gina Kaiser.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: A leader, not a politician, is our choice for Brevard school board