Oscar Locklin for Santa Rosa School Board, Dist. 2 | Candidate QA

Name: Oscar Locklin

Office you're seeking: Santa Rosa School Board, Dist. 2

Occupation: Attorney

Education: Pace High 1997, B.B.A. Harding University 2001, FSU Law School 2005

August primary ballot is set. Nearly 100 have qualified to run for local elected offices

Why are you running for this office?

My four daughters attend Santa Rosa County Public Schools. I have 14 nieces and nephews, and they attend SRC Public Schools. I have a vested interest in what happens in our schools every day. I am a multi-generation SRC native. This is home and Santa Rosa County is worth the effort to keep it a great place to live. That starts with the next generation. I am committed to being sure our local schools hold to our American, family values.

What experience do you have that makes you qualified for this office?

I am a product of SRC public schools.  I am a practicing attorney in Pace, and a parent of public school students. Locklins have been involved in SRC education for over 100 years, and Locklin Technical College is named after my Great Uncle. We have more than 20 educators in the family. These experiences give me the ability to understand the issues from all perspectives, and apply my legal training and experiences to navigate the laws and effect appropriate policies.

In your view, what is the role of public schools?

Public Schools exist to train our youth in academic pursuits, to prepare them to be productive citizens. This allows society to flourish and people to thrive. This purpose should not be hijacked in an effort to change social attitudes or undermine the values of the local community.  Schools should focus on the basics at the primary level, and provide robust and varied academic and career educational opportunities as possible for older students.

What do you believe should be changed about the school district, and what specific steps would you take to implement those changes?

The fundamental issues are transparency and teacher support in decision making. The full reasoning for decisions and policies must be discussed in public. Board meetings should include robust discussion of the issues. Since November 2021, there have been 5,027 "yes" votes, and only 6 "no" votes. Teachers need support in pay, benefits and student discipline so they are free to teach.

What do you believe the school district is doing right, and how would you improve it?

Santa Rosa Schools are very good, an "A" rated District. We are proud of our teachers, support staff and administrators. The district needs to continue to focus on the basics of education. The District should focus on varying education paths for high school students and promoting: dual enrollment including online with PSC, graduation with 18 credits, and Career/Tech opportunities on campus at each High School.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Oscar Locklin for Santa Rosa School Board, Dist. 2 | Candidate Q&A