Join us on Wednesday, April 15 for our “Equality Social: 2026 School Board Panel” at 1920 Ybor from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm! Co-hosted by the Hillsborough County LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus, the Democratic Public Education Caucus of Hillsborough County, the Democratic Party Jewish Caucus of Hillsborough County, the Hillsborough County Veterans Caucus, the Hillsborough County Democratic Disability Caucus, the Democratic Progressive Caucus of Hillsborough County, and the East Hillsborough Democratic Club
This is how we kick off the 2026 election cycle - and it starts here, with our community in the room! School board races are often decided in the primary election, which will be held on August 18, 2026. That means the conversations happening right now matter. Showing up early matters! If you care about the future of our schools, our students, and our community, you need to be here.
We’re proud to welcome two candidates for Hillsborough County School Board District 2, Daniela Simic and Chris Taylor, and candidate for Hillsborough County School Board District 6, Karen Perez!
Daniela Simic is a lifelong educator who began her career in the classroom and went on to serve in senior leadership roles across Florida, including as Assistant Superintendent in Hillsborough County. She has led large-scale school improvement efforts, overseen curriculum and instruction in major districts like Miami-Dade and Duval, and worked closely with educators to strengthen student outcomes. Today, she serves as Vice President of Advocacy for the Hillsborough County Council PTA and is an active Hillsborough County parent, focused on ensuring every student is supported and every family has a voice. Learn more at: https://danielaforschools.com
Chris Taylor is a former public-school teacher, coach, and community leader who spent over a decade in the classroom teaching courses like AP Government, Economics, and Psychology while mentoring students both academically and athletically. He later served in school leadership roles focused on strengthening connections between schools and families, and has remained deeply involved in education and philanthropy across Hillsborough County. In addition to his professional work in business and community leadership, he is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of South Florida. Learn more at: https://www.electchristaylor.
Karen Perez is a current Hillsborough County School Board member running for re-election, a licensed clinical social worker, and a longtime advocate for student mental health. A graduate of the University of South Florida, she has spent her career supporting children and families through roles in hospitals, community organizations, and her own private practice. She has worked extensively in trauma and family services, helping connect students and families to critical resources. As a parent and grandparent of students in Hillsborough County schools, she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her role, advocating for expanded mental health support and stronger outcomes for all students. Learn more at: https://keepkarenperez.com/
Come hear directly from the candidates, ask questions, and be part of the conversation as we head into a critical election year! Hosted by HC LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus President, Kim Dude, and moderated by HC Democratic Public Education Caucus President, Dr. Kell Cameron, this is a night you won’t want to miss!
This is how we kick off the 2026 election cycle - and it starts here, with our community in the room! School board races are often decided in the primary election, which will be held on August 18, 2026. That means the conversations happening right now matter. Showing up early matters! If you care about the future of our schools, our students, and our community, you need to be here.
Let’s fill the room! This a growing, community-wide kickoff you won’t want to miss.
Please RSVP at: https://hillsborough-county-
And if you wish to join us by zoom, please use the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/
This is how we kick off the 2026 election cycle - and it starts here, with our community in the room! School board races are often decided in the primary election, which will be held on August 18, 2026. That means the conversations happening right now matter. Showing up early matters! If you care about the future of our schools, our students, and our community, you need to be here.
We’re proud to welcome two candidates for Hillsborough County School Board District 2, Daniela Simic and Chris Taylor, and candidate for Hillsborough County School Board District 6, Karen Perez!
Daniela Simic is a lifelong educator who began her career in the classroom and went on to serve in senior leadership roles across Florida, including as Assistant Superintendent in Hillsborough County. She has led large-scale school improvement efforts, overseen curriculum and instruction in major districts like Miami-Dade and Duval, and worked closely with educators to strengthen student outcomes. Today, she serves as Vice President of Advocacy for the Hillsborough County Council PTA and is an active Hillsborough County parent, focused on ensuring every student is supported and every family has a voice. Learn more at: https://danielaforschools.com
Chris Taylor is a former public-school teacher, coach, and community leader who spent over a decade in the classroom teaching courses like AP Government, Economics, and Psychology while mentoring students both academically and athletically. He later served in school leadership roles focused on strengthening connections between schools and families, and has remained deeply involved in education and philanthropy across Hillsborough County. In addition to his professional work in business and community leadership, he is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of South Florida. Learn more at: https://www.electchristaylor.
Karen Perez is a current Hillsborough County School Board member running for re-election, a licensed clinical social worker, and a longtime advocate for student mental health. A graduate of the University of South Florida, she has spent her career supporting children and families through roles in hospitals, community organizations, and her own private practice. She has worked extensively in trauma and family services, helping connect students and families to critical resources. As a parent and grandparent of students in Hillsborough County schools, she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her role, advocating for expanded mental health support and stronger outcomes for all students. Learn more at: https://keepkarenperez.com/
Come hear directly from the candidates, ask questions, and be part of the conversation as we head into a critical election year! Hosted by HC LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus President, Kim Dude, and moderated by HC Democratic Public Education Caucus President, Dr. Kell Cameron, this is a night you won’t want to miss!
This is how we kick off the 2026 election cycle - and it starts here, with our community in the room! School board races are often decided in the primary election, which will be held on August 18, 2026. That means the conversations happening right now matter. Showing up early matters! If you care about the future of our schools, our students, and our community, you need to be here.
Let’s fill the room! This a growing, community-wide kickoff you won’t want to miss.
Please RSVP at: https://hillsborough-county-
And if you wish to join us by zoom, please use the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/