Posted by Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti on 11/19/2024 12:01:00 PM
For Immediate Release
Contact: Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti
Hillsborough County Public Schools
Office of Communications
813-272-4060
Tampa, Fl. (November 19, 2024) – Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) announced the election of new leadership on the School Board following the annual reorganization meeting. The Board elected Jessica Vaughn as Chair and Karen Perez as Vice Chair.
Jessica Vaughn was elected to the board, representing District 3, in 2020. She is a graduate of the University of South Florida where she earned her degree in Elementary Education. She is a certified public educator who has earned additional certifications in both Health and Exceptional Student Education. For the last decade, Mrs. Vaughn has worked inside Hillsborough County classrooms as a full-time classroom teacher, or as a substitute teacher.
Karen Perez was elected to the Hillsborough County School Board, representing countywide District 6, in 2018. Ms. Perez holds a master’s in social work and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida and New York. She currently works with patients and families at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital and operates a private practice, Embracing Changes Center for Wellness. She is a Certified Traumatologist, Certified Compassion Fatigue Specialist, Certified Domestic Violence Counselor III, Registered Clinical Social Worker, Certified Sentence Mitigation Specialist, Clinically Certified Forensic Counselor and Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist.
Superintendent Van Ayres commented on the new leadership, stating, “We are excited to work with our newly elected Board leadership as we build on our progress and tackle key priorities. Together, we are focused on expanding pathways for student achievement and continuing the gains we have made this past year.”
November 2024 Board Members
