SCSB member, Abby Sanchez, on school reopening and her re-election

Abby Sanchez, member of the Seminole County School Board, represents District 3 in Central Florida. First elected in 2016, Sanchez's current term ends in 2020. She is running for re-election in the primary election on Aug. 18, 2020; the general election is on Nov. 3 (check your local polling place for early voting).

Growing up in South Florida, Sanchez, earned the nickname "Dear Abby" for her compassion, desire to listen, and problem-solving propensities. The moniker lives on four decades later, with Sanchez spending her first term, "listening and learning" to the needs of Seminole County's educators, support staff, families, and students.

"As the only experienced and certified teacher on the board, I can bring an educator's voice and an understanding of what goes on in the classroom. My 26-years in teaching, 16 years of them at Sabal Point Elementary, has greatly influenced my role as a school board member," she commented.

Fellow school board member, Kristine Kraus, values Sanchez's background in teaching. She said, "I have enjoyed working with Abby Sanchez. She brings a teacher perspective as well as a parent perspective to our Seminole County School Board."

With many families having questions and concerns about the (live) reopening of school for the first time since March, Sanchez acknowledges the "uniqueness and uncertainness" of the times. She explained, "Due to COVID, schools, families, staff, and students are facing unprecedented challenges that were never imagined. School re-opening and the various options being offered to families may be a challenging transition. The board is offering live-streaming, as well as in-person visits with case workers, psychologists and social workers to ease anxiety."

With all the uncertainty surrounding school re-opening, Sanchez preferred opening schools in a limited fashion, with only kindergarteners through seventh graders attending class in person, with others utilizing online classes.

"The younger age group needs the most guidance, and cannot be safely left home," she said.

Due to a state law mandating the opening of schools, partial reopening was not an option. As of this writing, Seminole County Public School families are being provided with four options that include learning face-to-face in a traditional school setting, while following SCPS safety guidelines; online learning options (through Seminole County Virtual School or Seminole Connect); and a hybrid of in person and online learning. For more information Sanchez guides families to https://www.scps.k12.fl.us/covid19/. She also welcomes emails at Abby_Sanchez@scps.k12.fl.us.

The active board member frequently posts on Facebook to provide Seminole County parents with the latest school safety information. Recently, Sanchez posted, "The following is a sampling of the PPE (personal protective equipment) items purchased from SCPS to be used by SCPS schools, staff, bus drivers, and students:

• 151,500 masks in stock, 140,000 on order

• 5,000 face shields on order

• 900,000 gloves in stock

• 5,700 hand sanitizer units in stock, 94 gallons of refill in stock

• 17,655-gallon drums of disinfectant solution, with 1,400 drums coming in, and 88 barrels delivered each Tuesday/Thursday

• 25,000 plexiglass shields for classrooms/offices etc.

This is just the beginning order of many of the supplies that are needed, and will be an ongoing ordering/reordering process. This is not the entire list, just a sampling."

Sanchez notes that for those attending school in person, 25,000 plexiglass dividers have been ordered to create safe distancing between teacher and students. These dividers will also be used in learning centers and in places where students collaborate (in addition to the wearing of masks when social distancing is not possible). Concerned with educator safety and overall staff safety, Sanchez was the impetus behind the ordering of portable dividers for teachers and specialists who move between schools and classrooms. Respecting the diversity of student learning needs, Sanchez encouraged the procurement of face shields for Head Start attendees, as well as other very young students and those with sensory issues. With concern for the SCPS staff as a whole, she suggested the use of special anti-fog masks for the county's bus drivers.

Sanchez remarked, "I am not only interested in county policies and procedures, I am also concerned with the social, emotional and well-being of our students, families, and staff."

She emphasizes the value of lunch and learns, which involve students, parents, and school board members. "These meetings are an opportunity to discuss socialization opportunities, as well as serious issues like depression."

With a county-wide election approaching in just a few weeks on Aug. 18, Sanchez reflects upon her grassroots approach. "During my last election, I spent minimal dollars on my campaign, just as I am doing now. I believe money spent should be on students and meeting their needs. Through my 24/7 availability and deep connections with students and families, I have been able to bring fresh ideas on mental health, mentoring, Holocaust issues, diversity, and academic growth. I support our magnet programs, STEM, as well as vocational programs to meet the needs of our diversity of learners."

Growing up in Broward County's Jewish community, Sanchez feels strongly about respecting the social and cultural backgrounds that make up Seminole County's student body. She founded the Equity and Diversity Cultural Advisory Board to share concerns about diversity, religion, and cultural backgrounds. When acts of anti-Semitism took place on the Lake Brantley campus in 2017, she joined forces with the school's Club L'Chaim (a LBHS cultural club) and Rabbi Mendy Bronstein of Chabad of Altamonte Springs to bring a series of speakers to help educate the high school population. "Holocaust survivors, like local author Gene Klein, carried the message of passing on love over hate, while breaking barriers of culture and providing students with a personal connection."

In anticipation of the upcoming election, Sanchez has garnered a wide variety of non-partisan support. Her endorsements include the Seminole Education Association, the Orlando Realtor's Association, and The Greater Orlando Builder's Association.

The school board member currently lives in Sweetwater Oaks with her husband, Bo, of 29 years, meeting as students at Florida State University. Their three children Jessica, Joshua, and Jake continued the family tradition, all attending FSU, with Jake a graduating senior. Recently, the family celebrated Jessica's wedding, in small gathering.

Sanchez has been an active member of the Seminole County community. In addition to her longtime service on the PTA/PTSA of her children's schools including seven years as president of Lake Brantley's PTSA. Sanchez has worked tirelessly for various charitable organizations throughout Seminole and Orange Counties. She has been involved in raising funds for numerous cancer organizations, and has been a mentor for Take Stock in Children for the past six years. She is an active board member of Ali's Hope, which offers grants to assist young adults newly diagnosed with mental health issues.