Charlotte was born and raised on Jacksonville’s westside and is deeply invested in her community, particularly in our children’s education. She attended Joseph Stilwell Jr. High (now the Joseph Stilwell Military Academy of Leadership) and graduated from Ed White High School (now known as the Edward H. White Military Academy of Leadership).
After graduating from the University of North Florida, magna cum laude, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science, Charlotte began her teaching career at Stilwell. Before that, she was a homeschool mom, and also spent many years as a substitute teacher. She has had the privilege of instructing students all of the district in many of the classrooms around our city.
As an educator, Charlotte has a first-hand appreciation for the joys and challenges that are common to all students and teachers. As a Magnet Coordinator, Charlotte developed an in-depth understanding of academic and discipline data, the budget process, market development, ESE training, and student incentive promotions, and the need for parental involvement.
In 2014, Joseph Stilwell became a dedicated magnet school. Because of Charlotte’s experience as a “magnet school mom” – her own children attended Duval County Magnet Schools – she knew that successful schools require invested parents. She founded the Leadership Booster Club at Stilwell to develop community support and raise money for the magnet program. The Booster Club has played a vital role in funding the school’s leadership program. As the former parent liaison, she also oversaw parent groups such as SAC and PTSA. One of Charlotte’s children is a proud Stilwell cadet.
Charlotte has five children of her own and understands a parent’s desire to have his/her children delivered a world-class education. Experience has taught her that each child is unique and, as a result, may need a specialized program to maximize the likelihood of success. For this reason, Charlotte is a champion for school choice. She has witnessed, in the transformation of Joseph Stilwell, how Duval County’s magnet school program has transformed communities and lives.
Charlotte also enjoys advocating for agricultural education in our community. She works with Duval County Farm Bureau’s women’s leadership program in furtherance of that commitment.