Changing the destiny of children: From “F” to “A” Schools

ST. PETERSBURG — The plight of our children looms heavily in the minds and hearts of concerned citizens in south St. Pete. Re-segregation, parental involvement, court orders, unprepared instructors, suspensions and more are blamed for the over five-year history of non-performing schools.  While we continue to dialog and search for solutions, our children’s future opportunities narrow daily and their destiny and ability to become pillars of our community is challenged.

The national spotlight was placed on St. Petersburg’s “F” schools highlighted recently by the Tampa Bay Times in their series “Failure Factories.”  The Pinellas Suncoast Black Republican Club has reached out to an education powerhouse to join their Oct. 8 monthly meeting.

The community is invited to hear Angelia Boynton, who currently serves on the Finance, Legislative and Multicultural Committee and as a board member of the Florida School Board Association. Her success strategies for turning “F” designated schools in Marion County around will be a breath of fresh air.  When it comes to changing the future for children, she does not mind rolling up her sleeves and thinking outside of the box to get results.

“We have invited Ms. Boynton because people in our community want answers, not excuses,” said Chair, Sheila Griffin.  “Boynton has a report card of getting real results in education and that’s what we need.”

Boynton is also serving her second term on the Marion County School Board.  A strong education advocate, Boynton was selected by the Citizen’s Ambassador Program to serve as an Ambassador to South Africa to participate in a global Early Childhood Education program.

She established the Boynton Memorial Education Scholarship as an investment in students of Marion County, has worked with at-risk youth providing them with books and computers and established a library in her church, giving youth an opportunity to read at home, was a member of the Florida Association for the Young Children and was the 2003-05 Chair of Marion County Pace Center for Girls.

Boynton is a business owner, Instant Tax Group & Associates, specializing in Income Tax prep and small business accounting. When it comes to children she lends her education and corporate expertise to bridge gaps between socio-economic levels, political affiliations and community ministerial groups.

She was honored as one of the 2014 Inductees in Marion County Black Archives Museum and 2011 AKA-First Black Female Marion County-wide Election, among other accolades.

Join the Pinellas Suncoast Black Republican Club Oct. 8 at 6:30 p.m. at Tappanyaki Grill and Chinese Buffet, 391 34th St. N, St. Petersburg. All are welcome.  This event is free. Those attending are encouraged to purchase a meal to offset the sponsor’s costs.

For more information or RSVP, please call (727) 207-2721.