Sandra Cook is a candidate for Superintendent of the Schools in Washington County.  She graduated from Chipley High School in 1972, and continued her education at Chipola and the University of West Florida.  She, then, earned a doctorate in educational leadership from Florida State University.  She has lived in Vernon and taught in the Vernon schools for over 25 years.  In addition, she has taught as an adjunct professor for Gulf Coast Community College and Florida State University.  Because of these experiences she feels that she has the ability and desire to lead our school system toward a better tomorrow for our children.  Sandra wants our children to receive a level of education unsurpassed by any other district in the Panhandle. 

Community involvement is an important element of Sandra’s life because of the need to give back, as well as its impact on our children and the future of Washington County.  She has been actively involved with many organizations: 

• Member and secretary of Abigail Freewill Baptist Church 
• Chairperson and member of the Washington County Tourist Development Council 
• President of the Washington County Scholarship Trust 
• Charter member and secretary for the Preserving Our Past Association 
• Member of the Washington County Historical Society 
• Member of the Washington County Art Council 

Children have always been Sandra’s focus throughout her career as a teacher.  She believes that our future lies with our children and she wants to make a difference in their lives, which will in turn, make a difference within our communities. 

Sandra’s goals for the Washington County School District are: 

• Goal 1 – Insure that the decisions made in this district be made with students’ interests and needs at the forefront, while making sure that all students are provided the type and level of education they need in a safe environment to ensure that they become good, self-sufficient citizens and life-long learners. 
• Goal 2 – Provide all employees with appropriate salaries and a work environment that is safe and enjoyable so they can educate and work with our children. 
• Goal 3 – Provide open lines of communications between the citizens of Washington County and the district superintendent. 
• Goal 4 – Improve community involvement within our schools and have appropriate community input into the overall decisions made by the superintendent. 
• Goal 5 – Set priorities and long-range planning guides for the district. 

Sandra Cook is the daughter of Margie Early of Tallahassee and the late Carl Early of Chipley.  She has three brothers – Dan, David, and Fred.  She has been married to John Paul Cook, Sr. for 32 years.  She has three step-sons, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. 

For any further information or questions, please check out her website www.sandracook4superintendent.homestead.com and/or email sandracook4superintendent@yahoo.com.