News & Events

Ken Welch, City of St. Petersburg, Mayor and Former Pinellas County Commissioner

I have seen firsthand how Dr. Benson’s work has positively impacted children and families through city and countywide initiatives that shaped the region’s educational and community landscape.

Pinellas Realtor Organization Logo

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.

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.

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.

Lisa Wheeler-Bowman, City of St. Petersburg Councilmember, District 7

Dr. Keesha Benson and her family have been in Pinellas County for generations. She is a proud product of Pinellas County Schools and looks forward to her three children being able to say the same. She sees her time on our Pinellas County School Board as an opportunity for her to advocate for each child as if they were her own. As a leader of several non-profits, Dr. Benson has aimed for data to be at the center of all decision-making. She will take this commitment to the School Board because she believes that this comprehensive view can tell us so much about student success at various grade levels and across cultural and socioeconomic spaces. Dr. Keesha Benson is an equity- and transparency-centered community advocate. She is deep-rooted in her understanding that the resources needed for a quality, student-centered education extend into students’ homes and communities. Her decisions are driven by strong values and profound commitments to all of our children and youth. For all of these reasons, I am pleased to offer my strongest endorsement for Dr. Keesha Benson’s election to the Pinellas County School Board.

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

SEIU Florida

Tammy Kaplan,Pinellas Parents Advocating for Public Schools, Founder and Parent Advocate

Dr. Keesha Benson is a qualified, passionate and capable candidate. Her passion for public schools and concern for all students is evident to me, as is her willingness to include all stakeholders. With Keesha on our school board every child will have someone in their corner. Parents can rely on her to listen to their needs. Her background as an educator, social worker, and someone who holds and MBA gives Dr. Benson has all the tools needed to achieve success for Pinellas schools.

Clear PAC

Keesha is a native of St. Petersburg and the daughter of a lifelong educator. She brings new energy with experience and relationships in the public, private and philanthropic sectors providing a skill set that will be unique to the Board. She will be a driving force for inclusivity and educational advancement for all. We need leaders like Keesha that are not afraid to make tough decisions and think outside the box.

Deborah Figg-Sanders, City of St. Petersburg Councilmember, District 5

As an elected official I fully understand the commitment and support needed to run for public office. More importantly, it takes a strong will and compassion to want to position oneself to work for change via policy toward the betterment of our educational systems. I fully endorse Dr. Benson as the next Pinellas County School Board representative for District 3 and am confident she will speak for all children, especially adding volume and diversity to those not heard enough.

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.

Tampa Bay Times Editorial Board

Benson has a deep understanding of education policy, including how mental health services play an important role in schools. She has a history of successful collaboration, which is a plus for anyone who wants to join a seven-member board, at least anyone who wants to get anything done.

Dr. Kanika Tomlin, City of St. Petersburg, Former Deputy Mayor

Dr. Benson is a dedicated community leader who understands and is committed to equitable access to education and opportunity. She will work hard to represent the complex needs and interests of our diverse community and will elevate the quality of education our families can expect to experience.

Democratic Public Education Caucus of Florida

Michele Rayner, State House of Representative, District 70

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.

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.

Pinellas Parents Advocating for Public Schools

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.

Families Deserve Inclusive Schools

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.

Sun Coast Police Benevolent Association

Lisset Hanewics, City of St. Petersburg Councilmember, District 4

I am proud to endorse Dr. Benson. She is a native of St. Petersburg who has proven to be dedicated to improving the lives of children throughout her career whether as a community advocate, educator, or leader. Her experience coupled with her compassion is what makes her the best candidate for our students, teachers, and our community.

Equality Florida Action PAC

We are proud to receive the endorsement of Equality Florida Action PAC. An anti-racist civil rights organization that stands for the rights and inclusion of LGBTQ+ communities around the state. Together we can realize the reality of quality, safe, and equitable public education for ALL.

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.

Michael Smith, City of St. Petersburg, Former Deputy Mayor

Dr. Benson is a dedicated community leader who understands and is committed to equitable access to education and opportunity. She will work hard to represent the complex needs and interests of our diverse community and will elevate the quality of education our families can expect to experience.

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.

Florida National Organization for Women (NOW) PAC