2026 Candidate Questionnaire: Cecilia Trotter, Brevard School Board District 5

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The Space Coast Rocket invited candidates for the Brevard School Board to answer a questionnaire in their own words. Below are the responses from Cecilia Trotter, candidate for Brevard School Board, District 5. Her answers are published verbatim.

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Background & Qualifications

  • B.A. in Italian Studies, Florida State University
  • Education coursework completed at Florida Atlantic University
  • Real Estate License – Sales Associate
  • Reading Endorsement Certification
  • ESOL Endorsement Certification
  • Professional development in Conscious Discipline
  • Professional development through the Institute of Multi-Sensory Education
  • Professional development in Clinical Educator Training

Community & School Involvement

For the past 19 years, I have served as an elementary educator in Florida, a role that keeps me closely connected to students, families, and the broader community. I stay actively involved in school-based and extra-curricular activities, supporting events that strengthen family engagement and student growth. I also participated in my daughters’ religious education community and was an active supporter of their soccer teams, swim clubs, and school athletics.

Why I Chose to Run

I decided to run for School Board because, as a teacher, I saw that our board was making decisions without the perspective of an educator. Over the last nine months, I have watched the board mishandle situations involving students, teachers, and families. They have been contentious with the public, restricted community members from speaking during recorded meetings, dismissed parental and student concerns, and failed to provide transparency around the budget.

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This board has also not pushed back against state policies that are harming our public schools. The Universal Voucher Program is siphoning millions of dollars from Brevard Public Schools, our superintendent traveled to Tallahassee to support an anti-union bill, and the board has remained silent on vaccine mandates that help keep students and staff safe. I believe our community deserves a board member who will speak up, advocate for public education, and bring real classroom experience to every decision.

Top Three Priorities

1. Protect Brevard Public Schools

I will protect our schools by restoring strong financial oversight, beginning with rehiring a qualified CFO who serves as a single point of contact for our $1.6 billion budget. I will advocate with state representatives to close loopholes in the Universal Voucher Program and ensure that any school receiving public dollars is held to the same accountability standards as public schools. Last year the state of Florida spent $4 billion in school vouchers, $270 million is unaccounted, and public schools were short changed $230 million. I will also oppose the expansion of Schools of Hope into Brevard County.

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2. Promote Our Public Schools

Families should view Brevard Public Schools as their first choice. Our district offers exceptional teachers, dedicated staff, and high-quality programs that rival—and often exceed—those found in private schools.

We are also proud to serve a large and valued population of military families in our community. These families make important sacrifices, and our schools are committed to providing stability, support, and smooth transitions for students whose lives often involve relocation. By fostering welcoming environments and strong partnerships, we ensure that every military-connected student has the opportunity to succeed.

I am committed to promoting key opportunities such as our Head Start and VPK programs, Career and Technical Education pathways, and dual enrollment options that give students a strong start for their future.

It is also essential that our district remains visible and engaged within the community. By actively participating in local events, festivals, and outreach initiatives, we can better showcase the many strengths and successes of our schools and build stronger connections with the families we serve.

3. Improve Communication, Trust, and Support for Teachers and Families

I will strengthen communication by bringing School Board events into local schools and neighborhoods so families can be seen and heard. Public comments should occur at the start of meetings so concerns can be addressed. I will work to rebuild trust with teachers and staff, ensuring they can teach without fear of political or cultural backlash. Because Brevard’s educators are among the lowest paid in the nation, I will partner with local businesses and industries to expand support—such as discount programs, down-payment assistance, rental support, and other initiatives that help our 9,000+ employees afford to live in the community they serve.

Biggest Problem Facing the School Board & How I Will Address It

The biggest problem facing the Brevard School Board is a lack of transparency and accountability. I will address this by being open and honest with the public about the serious challenges our district is facing, including declining enrollment, teacher retention, and unclear financial reporting.

The recent closure of Cape View Elementary is a clear example of how the Board kept families, students, and staff at arm’s length, even though the decision was already in motion. This approach erodes trust. Our community deserves a Board that communicates openly, involves stakeholders early, and represents the people who elected them.

How I Will Keep Constituents Informed and Involved

I will keep my constituents informed and involved by using every communication tool available through Brevard Public Schools, including the district’s communications department, official social media channels, and a monthly newsletter that provides updates on key issues and upcoming decisions.

I also believe the Board must be present in our schools and neighborhoods. I will bring Board events into local communities, hold town hall meetings, and conduct listening tours, so families have real opportunities to be seen and heard. These are simple, low-cost, and highly effective ways to ensure the public stays engaged and connected to the work of the School Board.

Why I Am the Strongest Candidate

I am a stronger choice for the School Board because I bring a well-rounded background shaped by real-world experience. I spent nearly ten years living in Florence, Italy, where I was immersed in a different culture, language, and set of perspectives. I later owned and operated a small business for 14 years, learning firsthand the importance of financial responsibility and how to stretch every dollar.

I have also worked in the real estate sector, which reinforced for me the importance of strong neighborhood schools. Good public schools help maintain property values, keep communities safer, and make neighborhoods more stable and desirable.

Combined with my 19 years in the classroom, working directly with students, families, and staff, I bring a perspective grounded in service, practicality, and a deep understanding of how schools shape the future of our community. My heart and passion are with our students and their future. I deeply believe it is our responsibility to ensure the next generation is better equipped, better supported, and better educated to lead and serve.

What I Want Voters to Know About Me

I want voters to know that I am just like them. I get up every day, go to work, and do my best to support my family and my community. My husband of nearly 33 years is a retired chef, and our two daughters—both graduates of Florida’s public schools—have built meaningful professional lives. Our older daughter Ilaria holds a BS in Nursing, and lives in Savannah, Georgia, with her husband and son. Our other daughter Livia is a Captain in the United States Army and is completing her psychiatry residency at Walter Reed Medical Center, in Washington DC.

I am running for School Board because I now have the time and commitment to serve our community in a new capacity. I am ready to advocate for our public schools and for the families and students who rely on them for far more than an education.

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