Chantel Parris at a glance
- Sebring High School graduate.
- Works with children and families through Champion for Children.
- Former investigator with the Florida Department of Children and Families.
- Holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Warner University.
- Candidate for the District 1 seat on the Highlands County School Board.
Chantel Parris is seeking the District 1 seat on the Highlands County School Board with a campaign focused on student achievement, employee support, parent involvement and community participation in district decisions. Parris has worked in county government and in organizations serving children and families. She previously worked in the Highlands County Building Department before becoming an investigator with the Florida Department of Children and Families. Her experience has also included the Guardian ad Litem Program and Champion for Children. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in transformational ministry with a minor in social work and a master’s degree in ministry from Warner University.
Parris describes her campaign with the phrase, “When I take a seat, we take a seat.” She said the statement represents her belief that students, parents, educators and community members should have a place in discussions involving the school district. She has said School Board members should spend time in schools, attend student and community events and hear directly from the people affected by district decisions. She also supports making information about the district budget, student progress and school safety easier for the public to locate and understand.
Parris does not view test scores as the only measure of student or school performance. She identified attendance, discipline and teacher morale as additional indicators that can help the district understand what is happening inside its schools. When asked how the district should respond to a teacher whose students were not producing acceptable results, Parris said administrators should first determine what is contributing to the problem. She said that process should include speaking with the teacher, observing the classroom and identifying whether additional support, training or resources are needed before dismissal is considered.
Parris also placed employee compensation ahead of adding a new student program when limited general-fund dollars require a choice. “Programs will come and go,” she said. “Building up people is what we’re about.” She said teachers and staff are responsible for carrying out the district’s programs and should receive the support, respect and resources needed to work with students.
Parris also supports teaching practical skills alongside academic subjects. She identified financial literacy and resilience as areas that can help students prepare for college, careers, employment and adult responsibilities. Her position on technology is one of moderation. Parris said technology has a place in education but should not replace basic skills, traditional instruction or opportunities for students to work without electronic devices.
She has also discussed the district’s Career and Technical Institute program, noting that students who participated said the program helped them remain engaged in school. Parris said student experiences should be considered when the district evaluates whether a program is working or determines its future. On school consolidation, Parris said community participation should come before a decision to close a school. She described closure as a last resort rather than an early response to enrollment or budget pressures. Parris has also supported continued discussion of school impact fees as Highlands County grows. She noted that additional development can create greater demand for classrooms, facilities and other public infrastructure.
Her campaign centers on the role of support in student success, including support from teachers, families, school employees and the wider community. Parris said School Board decisions should begin with the question of how they will help students succeed and prepare for life after graduation.
