Sarasota County, FL – November 19, 2024 – Earlier this evening the Sarasota County School Board held a Swearing-In Ceremony for newly elected member Mrs. Liz Barker and reelected member Mr. Tom Edwards. Shortly after, the School Board held its annual Reorganization Meeting to elect its leadership. Mr. Tim Enos was elected Chair of the Sarasota County School Board and Mrs. Robyn Marinelli was elected Vice Chair of the Sarasota County School Board.
About the Sarasota County School Board Members
Mr. Tim Enos, Chair – Mr. Enos has served on the Sarasota County School Board since 2022 and is a proud product of the Sarasota County School District himself. Driven by a sincere passion for his community, Mr. Enos chose to raise his family here, instilling in them the same values of excellence in education that he holds dear. Mr. Enos’ commitment to Sarasota County is both personal and professional, as shown in his extensive law enforcement career, community involvement, and continued service on the School Board.
Mrs. Robyn Marinelli, Vice Chair – Mrs. Marinelli has served on the Sarasota County School Board since 2022, continuing her 40-plus-year career in education. She has made a tremendous impact on lives of countless students, families, and colleagues through her various roles. Mrs. Marinelli’s professional journey has taken her from elementary classrooms to the corridors of high schools, where she has imparted knowledge and guidance at every level. Upholding her commitment to support students beyond the classroom, Mrs. Marinelli has also previously served as a School Counselor at Southside Elementary School and a district-level administrator overseeing the Student Services department.
Mrs. Liz Barker, Board Member – Mrs. Barker is a mother of four children currently attending schools in Sarasota County. She has two children at Lakeview Elementary School, one child at Sarasota Middle School, and one child at Pine View School. Mrs. Barker’s focus is on empowering families, elevating educators, engaging the community, and prioritizing student-centered decision making. As a former school psychologist, she believes in the importance of providing a high-quality education in a safe learning environment.
Mr. Tom Edwards, Board Member – Mr. Edwards, a dedicated advocate for academic excellence and student welfare, is now in his second term on the Sarasota County School Board. Throughout his tenure, Mr. Edwards has consistently prioritized the needs of students, ensuring that their educational experience remains at the forefront of the School Board’s work. His commitment to providing students with tangible pathways beyond the classroom has been evident in his efforts to create opportunities for all students to graduate with a clear plan: Enrolled, Enlisted, or Employed. Mr. Edwards aims to equip students with the necessary tools for success in both the workforce and higher education through championing resources that support growth and diversified pathways tailored to students’ unique needs.
Mrs. Bridget Ziegler, Board Member – Mrs. Ziegler has served on the Sarasota County School Board since 2014 and is in her third term as a Board Member. A previous School Board Chair, she believes parents and community members have entrusted the School Board with the immense responsibility of providing a world-class education for every student. Though unexpected challenges and areas for growth may arise in each school year, Mrs. Ziegler believes Sarasota County Schools’ strategic plan provides the necessary framework to pull everyone together and maintain focus on the district’s number one priority: ensuring every student is supported to academically thrive and achieve their God-given potential.