Hello, I’m Earle, and I’m running for the Escambia County School Board—district four. It’s a pleasure to introduce myself.

You might wonder, “Why is Earle running for this position?” My motivation is clear: I see areas within our education system that urgently need improvement, and I refuse to remain a bystander, hoping for change.

Another question on your mind might be, “Why should I vote for Earle?” Let me succinctly address this with two key reasons: experience and perspective. My unique vantage point encompasses the roles of a student, teacher, and parent, allowing me to understand and address school-related issues comprehensively.

I bring 22 years of teaching experience to the table, currently educating high school students in Santa Rosa County. My journey has taken me through diverse educational environments across three states and five high schools, earning me the title of 2023 “Teacher of the Year” at Gulf Breeze High School. Beyond my teaching certification, I hold ESOL and Gifted Endorsements and lead both The National Honor Society and Literature Club.

My teaching experience spans from public inner-city schools in Memphis, TN, to medium-sized cities like Pensacola, and suburban areas including Clemmons, NC (Winston-Salem), Chapel Hill, NC, and Gulf Breeze. Additionally, I’ve dedicated 20 years to coaching various sports for both boys and girls, achieving the Pensacola News Journal Coach of the Year in Boys Lacrosse three times.

As a husband and parent of four children who have navigated through Escambia County Public Schools—with the youngest still enrolled—I possess a parent’s insight into our education system. 

My commitment to education transcends the classroom boundaries; I’ve actively engaged in various pivotal roles, including discipline committees, textbook selection, curriculum innovation, “A” School Committees, and Senior Hall of Fame Committees, to name a few.

During the years when my children were in elementary school, I embraced the role of a stay-at-home dad for eight years—a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. In that period, I not only coached YMCA soccer but also founded a “Dad’s Club” at Cordova Park Elementary School and contributed to Spanish language learning. My volunteer efforts extended to Vacation Bible School, Wednesday after-school church programs, and launching Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University within my church community.

In the business sector, I’ve helped my wife’s small business through budgeting, assumed the responsibilities of treasurer at the First United Methodist Church in Pensacola, and skillfully handled the diverse obligations of a varsity head coach. This role demanded proficient management of communications, budgeting, logistics for travel, and strategic game and practice preparations. In six years, one of which ended in March– we had fifteen athletes sign to play in college and won four district championships. Make no mistake, none of this happens in a vacuum. I had great assistant coaches, fantastic parent support, and the young men were amazing. It takes a village…

My personal interests are as varied as my professional involvements. I have a passion for travel, which has led me to accompany students on educational trips to Europe, courtesy of a close colleague at Washington High School, and enjoy vacations with my family. Running is another pursuit of mine, with five marathons completed to date—please, no judgment on my pace! Additionally, I find peace and joy in fishing and just being on the water.

Armed with a metaphoric tapestry of educational insight, parental experience, and business acumen, I am fully prepared and enthusiastic about making a significant and positive impact on the Escambia County School Board.