News & Events
Mayor Ken Welch Endorses Dr. Keesha Benson for Pinellas County School Board, District 3 (At Large)
St. Petersburg — Dr. Keesha Benson continues to roll out endorsements for her campaign for Pinellas County School Board, District 3 (At Large). Dr. Benson has raised over $30,000 since launching her campaign and received endorsements from a diverse group of community...
New candidate enters Pinellas School Board race
Keesha Benson, a non-profit leader, and former educator, has filed to run for the District 3 Pinellas School Board seat being vacated by Nicole Carr. “I’ve been around education my whole life,” she said, in her career and as the daughter of a mother who taught for 32...
Keesha Benson enters race for Pinellas County School Board
Local educator Keesha Benson has announced her candidacy for the at-large District 3 seat on the Pinellas County School Board. Benson holds a doctorate in Social Work and is a sixth-generation Pinellas County resident. An advocate for public education, Benson works...
Homegrown Champion for Public Education Enters Race for Pinellas School Board Seat
Keesha Benson, PhD, has announced her candidacy for the District 3 At-Large seat on the Pinellas County School Board. This is a district wide race open to all registered voters in Pinellas County. For Dr. Benson, the child of an educator and a sixth-generation...
Endorsements
Rev. Meiko Seymour, Uncommon City, Executive Pastor, St. Petian
Dr. Benson brings integrity, thoughtfulness, and a drive to make everyone around her more seen, heard, and ultimately cared for. Her passion for a more just world is infectious and her ability to think through the nuances of every issue has been paramount to the success of the solutions she has brought to many tables and tables to come.
Gwendolyn Reese, Community Member
Dr. Benson is by far the best candidate. Not only is she a mother and an educator she is also highly qualified and both passionate and committed to the children in Pinellas County.
Dr. Bilan Joseph, The Education Enthusiast, CEO
Keesha has always been a dedicated advocate for equitable academic outcomes for children. As a mom of three young children in primary school, her professional and personal experience makes her a phenomenal candidate for office
Kathleen Beckman, City of Clearwater Councilmember, District 3
As a former teacher, I know Dr. Benson is extremely qualified to serve in such an important role in our community. Her broad experience in education, social work, business, and advocacy for children and families makes her uniquely qualified to serve on our school board. Dr. Brown will be a passionate champion for parents, students, and teachers.
Deborah Figg-Sanders, City of St. Petersburg Councilmember, District 5
SEIU Florida
Gina Driscoll, City of St. Petersburg Councilmember, District 6
Dr. Benson’s professional experience and her role as a parent and advocate make her uniquely qualified to serve on our School Board. We can count on Dr. Benson to make healthy children and academic excellence a priority in our schools.
Rev. Andy Oliver, Allendale United Methodist, Pastor
Dr. Benson is uniquely qualified to make decisions to uplift all of our children. We are at an important crossroads for the future of public education. It is imperative we elect experts like Dr. Benson.
Copley Gerdes, City of St. Petersburg Councilmember, District 1
Keesha is born and raised here in St. Petersburg. She is smart, articulate and understands the issues facing our students here in Pinellas County. Her resume and background will be an amazing asset on the Pinellas County School Board. She has my full support.
Darryl Rouson, State Senator, District 19
Dr. Keesha Benson is the most qualified for this position.
Richie Floyd, City of St. Petersburg Councilmember, District 8
Our students and teachers need support now more than ever. It is imperative that the leaders of our school district fight for quality public education for all, and stay focused on what really matters to our community. I am supporting Dr. Keesha Benson because I know she will live up to these values. She is thoughtful, qualified, and ready to serve.
Pastor Elizabeth Siplin, New Faith Free Methodist Church, Pastor, Empact Solutions, Owner
Dr. Benson is the perfect example of what our youth and parents need in school education representation. She’s a parent that is in touch with the absolute requirements our students must have to be successful in gaining an equitable education. Learning is not just going to class, it is being involved with what is being placed in front of our youth, Dr. Benson personally focuses on what is being taught and how it is taught. This is what we need for our future in the Pinellas County School system. Dr. Benson is who we need for our youth.
Michele Rayner, State House of Representative, District 70
Amy Foster, City of St. Petersburg Former City Councilmember, District 2, Homeless Leadership Alliance of Pinellas, CEO
Dr. Benson is exactly the voice we need on our School Board now. I have worked with Dr. Benson in the past on childhood initiatives and find her to be thoughtful, intentional, and focused on increasing outcomes for ALL children. As a parent herself, she will bring an invaluable viewpoint to the dais.
Lisa Wheeler-Bowman, City of St. Petersburg Councilmember, District 7
Ruth’s List Florida
Ruth’s List Florida is excited to announce our latest endorsement, Dr. Keesha Benson for Pinellas County School Board, District 3. If elected, Dr. Benson would make history as the first Black woman to represent this seat on the school board. Dr. Benson is an experienced educator, a dedicated community advocate, a proven leader, and a loving parent to three children currently attending Pinellas County Public Schools. Dr. Benson brings a wealth of experience to the race, including over 15 years of experience working as an inclusive and equity-centered community practitioner. She is an expert in curriculum development, facilitation, and community education, and would bring transformative change to the Pinellas County School Board.