Laura Dortch Edler
Laura Dortch Edler was a member of the Escambia County School District school board in Florida, representing District 3. She assumed office in 2019. She left office on November 22, 2022.
Edler ran for re-election to the Escambia County School District school board to represent District 3 in Florida. She lost in the primary on August 23, 2022.
Biography
Edler has both her bachelor's degree and her doctorate in leadership management from the University of West Florida. She has her master's degree from Florida State University. Most of her employment experience is in the social work field. She has been an assistant professor in the department of social work at the University of West Florida.[1]
Elections
2022
See also: Escambia County School District, Florida, elections (2022)
Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for Escambia County School District school board District 3
David Williams won election outright against incumbent Laura Dortch Edler in the primary for Escambia County School District school board District 3 on August 23, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | David Williams (Nonpartisan) | 56.9 | 5,544 | |
 | Laura Dortch Edler (Nonpartisan) | 43.1 | 4,195 | |
| Total votes: 9,739 | |||
 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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2018
General election
General election for Escambia County School District school board District 3
Laura Dortch Edler defeated Larry Williams Sr. in the general election for Escambia County School District school board District 3 on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Laura Dortch Edler (Nonpartisan) | 55.6 | 10,816 |
 | Larry Williams Sr. (Nonpartisan) | 44.4 | 8,652 | |
| Total votes: 19,468 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for Escambia County School District school board District 3
Laura Dortch Edler and Larry Williams Sr. defeated J. Walker Wilson and Lee Hansen in the primary for Escambia County School District school board District 3 on August 28, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Laura Dortch Edler (Nonpartisan) | 40.8 | 4,166 |
| ✔ | | Larry Williams Sr. (Nonpartisan) | 30.9 | 3,157 |
| J. Walker Wilson (Nonpartisan) | 17.6 | 1,798 | ||
| Lee Hansen (Nonpartisan) | 10.7 | 1,090 | ||
| Total votes: 10,211 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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2014
The August 26, 2014, general election in Escambia County featured three seats up for election. Incumbent Linda Moultrie faced a challenge from newcomers Laura Dortch Edler and Linda Moultrie in District 3. Fellow board members Jeff Bergosh and Gerald W. Boone ran for re-election without opposition in Districts 1 and 2, respectively.
The general election determined if candidates for each seat could garner a majority of the vote total. Because no candidate received 50 percent plus one of the general election votes in the District 3 race, the top two vote recipients, Moultrie and Nichols, advanced to the runoff election on November 4, 2014.
Results
General
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonpartisan |  Linda Moultrie Incumbent |
36.2% | 1,858 | |
| Nonpartisan | Charlie Nichols |
35.8% | 1,841 | |
| Nonpartisan | Laura Dortch Edler | 28% | 1,440 | |
| Total Votes | 5,139 | |||
| Source: Escambia County Supervisor of Elections, "Election Results: 2014 Primary Election," accessed October 28, 2014 | ||||
Funding
Edler reported $16,147.65 in monetary contributions and loans, $1,850.00 in-kind contributions and $16,147.65 in expenditures according to the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections, which left her campaign with no cash on hand.[2]
Endorsements
Edler did not receive any official endorsements in this election.
Campaign themes
2022
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Laura Dortch Edler did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.
2018
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Laura Dortch Edler completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Edler's responses.
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
(1). Drop-out Prevention: I am deeply concerned about the number of children dropping out of school or being "pushed" out because they have lost hope for success. (2). School Social Workers: Social Workers in Escambia County has over 40,000 students, 51 schools and only 8 social workers. I believe a social worker housed in every school will be beneficial to retention, modifying behavior and the well-being of students, teachers, parents and the community as a whole. As a member of the team, social workers can free teachers to do their jobs and potentially decrease the drop-out rate and behavior problems. (3). Diverse/Qualified Teachers: Provide support and competitive salaries.
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Those that have impact on education, children safety and children at-risk. Children are vulnerable and face many barriers and challenges on their journey to becoming productive adults.
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
There are many great, wonderful and successful individuals whom I admire for their contributions to make this world a better place for others. I most admire, however, my mother a wise single parent who could not read or write, worked for $12.00 a week, sent two children to St. Joseph Catholic School. She taught me the value of a quality education. I also learned from my mother the importance of respect, kindness, sharing and caring; appreciate what you have and never be jealous or envy of others.
Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?
I recommend the reading of the book, Courageous Conversation about Race: A Field guide for achieving equity in Schools by Glenn E. Singleton
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
A serious commitment to serve and a passion for success; ability to think outside the box; willing to stand up for what you believe, not afraid to speak out and the ability to make critical decisions in the best interest of those we desire serve. Most importantly, the individual must not be motivated by fame, fortune or prestige
What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
I bring a wealth of knowledge, skills, leadership skills, life and career experience in working with children and families in the Child Welfare System, the medical profession, and child development. I wrote and implemented the District One Medical foster Care Program and served on the committee to develop statewide policies. I have served as the president of the Florida State Sickle Cell Disease Association, Inc. since 2006, representing board members from 12 chapters across the state. I am diplomatic, a team player, creative, innovative, easy to get along with and a hard worker who do not like foolishness. I work well alone as well as with other. My one weakness is I have a zero tolerance for "drama!" I believe my time and energy can best be served in a productive manner.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
The core responsibility should be professional, respectful, honest, knowledgeable and ready to serve those who elected him/her. Do not make un-deliverable promises; be fiscally responsible, accountable and transparent. Remain engaged with the constituents, having time to address their issues and/or concerns. Remain current on "best practices" and always, always do the best job possible!
What legacy would you like to leave?
My legacy: I lived, loved and cared deeply for my fellowman, gave much, asked only for respect in return; and never forgot the words of my mother when I was 17 years old, "honey you can do anything you want to do, it may take you a little longer than the next person, but if you really want to do it, you can! How right she was!
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
My first job was when I was 8 years old, I worked in my mother's place at Empire Laundry because she was sick and we needed the money. In 7th grade, I also worked at the laundry in the evenings, weekends and summers. Age 18, I worked as a nurse’s assistant at I Lady's of Angels Maternity Hospital for 3 years and received my Licensed Practical Nursing Certificate one of those years. Worked at Sacred Hospital 13 1/2 years. Other places of employee included, Baptist Hospital, Child Development Center, St. Joseph Community Center, Personnel Pool of America, Pensacola Jr. College, Department of Children and Families, Department of Health. Currently, I am employed as an Assistant Professor at the University West Florida in the Department of Social Work.
What was the last song that got stuck in your head?
"Order My Steps in Your Words"
What is the primary job of a school board member in your view?
To provide oversight, monitor progress, develop and implement policies, be cognizant and familiar with the laws, rules, policies and procedures, attend board meeting prepared and ready to serve, be professional and respectful, make critical decisions in the best interest of the children and all stakeholder and remember he/she work for the people!
Who are your constituents?
Generally, the citizens of Escambia County. Specifically, the citizens of district three, parents, children, teachers and all stakeholders.
How would you support the diverse needs of your district’s students, faculty, staff, and community?
Better understanding of their needs/concerns, town hall meetings, engaged in the community, cultural competency training, working with faculty/staff and active listening
How will you build relationships with members of the broader community? Which groups, organizations, stakeholders will you specifically target?
I am already involved in the community, holding membership with various organization. I will continue to work with neighborhood groups, parents, teachers and stakeholders, being transparent, honest and empowering them to participate in the process of "change."
What issues get in the way of quality education? How would you address these obstacles?
In addition to funding, policies/procedures and diverse/qualified teachers, personalities, favoritism, lack of qualified leaders, self-serving motives and lack of experienced individuals who are capable and willing to make critical decisions in the best interest of children and all stakeholders.
What principles drive your policies for safety in schools?
School safety does not mean just "reacting" to external forces of harm to our children when they occur. We must focus on both internal and external potential harm to include but not limited to bulling, appropriate background screening and the physical structure of schools. Reviewing and modifying policies and procedures frequently/periodically is mandatory for the safety of our children.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
2022 Elections
External links
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Candidate Escambia County School District school board District 3 |
Footnotes
- ↑ Laura Dortch Edler, "Bio," accessed August 26, 2014
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
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