Marissa (Haldeman) DeHaven announcescandidacy for Levy County School Board, District 2.

My name is Marissa (Haldeman) DeHaven and I would like to take this opportunity to announce my candidacy for Levy County School Board, District 2. I am a life-long resident of Levy County. I reside in Cedar Key with my husband, Mark, and our four children; Micah, 5, and Maya, Max & Marina, our 2 year old triplets.

Graduating from Cedar Key School in 1996, as Salutatorian of my class, I continued my education at Central Florida Community College and earned an Associate of Arts Degree. In the fall of 1998, I transferred to the University of Florida where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a specialization in Special Education and Physical Education. The following year, I finished my education with a Master of Education Degree.

In 2001, I began my teaching career at Chiefland Elementary School. When a position opened at Cedar Key School the following year, I returned to Cedar Key and my roots. While teaching 5th Grade at Cedar Key School, I had the privilege to be the Safety Patrol Sponsor, taking the first group of Patrollers from Cedar Key to Washington DC. In 2005, I transferred to Middle School Math and remained there until I had my first child.

Other responsibilities while teaching at Cedar Key School included Head Coach for Varsity Volleyball and Girls Varsity Basketball. One of the highlights of my teaching career was being named Cedar Key School Teacher of the Year 2005-2006.

Being a member of the Cedar Key United Methodist Church, I have sat on numerous committees. I have taught Sunday school and have been director of Vacation Bible School.

For the past 5-1/2 years I have been a stay at home mom. My oldest son will be starting Kindergarten in the upcoming school year and I feel that it is time for me to get involved in the school system, once again.

One of the biggest challenges facing public education today is doing more with less. I consider myself a conservative and believe in fiscal responsibility. I also believe in doing what is best for the students of Levy County. If elected, I will strive to put the students` benefit at the foundation of all my decisions.

I believe my education and experience as an educator makes me a qualified candidate for the Levy County School Board, District 2. At the heart of my decision to run for School Board are the students.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at votemarissadehaven@aol.com.