Meet Cindy Johnson Brown
Cindy Johnson Brown
Vice Chair, Washington County School Board • Speech-Language Pathologist • Small Business Owner • Community Leader
A lifelong Washington County resident, Cindy Johnson Brown has spent more than 26 years serving children and families through education, healthcare, mentorship, and community leadership. Since being elected to the School Board in 2022, she has worked tirelessly to strengthen academic achievement, expand workforce opportunities, support teachers, and advocate for students and families.
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When I first ran for the Washington County School Board in 2022, I promised to be a strong advocate for students, parents, teachers, and our community.
Today, I am proud to say I have kept that promise.
For more than 26 years, I have dedicated my life to serving children and families as a Speech-Language Pathologist, educator, business owner, mentor, and community leader. Since being elected to the Washington County School Board in November 2022, I have worked tirelessly to ensure our students have access to strong academics, career opportunities, safe schools, and a bright future right here in Washington County.
I am a lifelong resident of Washington County, a wife, mother, small business owner, and proud product of our public schools. My husband, Gary, and I have built our lives here, raised our family here, and invested our hearts into this community. My daughter, Olivia, currently attends Washington County Public Schools, giving me the perspective of both a board member and a parent.
I believe every decision made at the board table should answer one simple question:
"Is this what's best for students?"
That principle has guided every vote I have cast and every initiative I have supported.
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Leadership Through Service
Since taking office, I have worked to become one of the most educated and engaged school board members in Florida.
During my first year in office, I earned my Florida School Boards Association Certified Board Member designation. I then completed an additional 96 hours of advanced governance, policy, finance, leadership, and accountability training to become an Advanced Certified Board Member.
I currently serve as:
• Vice Chair of the Washington County School Board
• Appointee to the Florida Department of Education's Committee of Practitioners by former Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr.
• Alternate for the Florida School Boards Association Board of Directors
• Elected by School Board Colleagues in 2025 to be on the Nominating Committee to interview and select the 26/27 FSBA Executive Board of Directors
• Member of the FSBA Advocacy Committee
• Member of the FSBA Leadership Development Committee
• Member of the FSBA Legislative and Governance Committees
• Small School District Representative
I have never missed a Florida School Boards Association conference, leadership event, or training opportunity because I believe taxpayers deserve elected officials who continuously learn and improve.
Strong governance matters. Strong leadership matters. Our students deserve both.
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Fighting for Academic Excellence
One of my top priorities has been improving student achievement and ensuring every child receives the education they deserve.
As a former public-school Speech-Language Pathologist in Orange County Public Schools, I understand what happens inside classrooms because I have worked alongside teachers, therapists, administrators, and families.
My background includes:
• Eight years in public education serving students with disabilities
• One of the early therapists involved in Florida's Response to Intervention (RTI) initiative
• Providing inclusion services and collaborating with classroom teachers
• Sponsoring elementary school Safety Patrol programs
• Leading IEP meetings and advocating for students with exceptional needs
Today, through my private practice, TherapyWorld of Northwest Florida, I continue serving children from birth through age three and helping families transition into our public-school Pre-K programs.
This experience allows me to bring a unique perspective to the board room—one that understands both educational policy and real-life student needs. As both a School Board Member and the parent of a student currently enrolled in Washington County Public Schools, I understand the importance of ensuring every child has access to a high-quality education.
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Creating Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
I believe education is about preparing students for life after graduation.
That is why I have worked extensively to expand workforce development opportunities and strengthen partnerships between our schools, local businesses, government leaders, and economic development organizations.
One of the accomplishments I am most proud of is helping facilitate Washington County's involvement with the Space Florida Academy initiative.
I brought together:
• Washington County Public Schools
• County Commissioners
• The Chamber of Commerce
• Economic Development leaders
• Florida Panhandle Technical College
• Space Florida representatives
to create opportunities that expose our students to high-demand careers in aerospace, aviation, engineering, technology, manufacturing, and other emerging industries.
These partnerships help ensure Washington County students can compete not only in Florida, but anywhere in the nation.
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Investing in Literacy and Student Success
Strong readers become strong learners.
That is why I worked alongside community partners to help bring the Reading Pals initiative to Washington County through a $50,000 United Way grant.
This program places trained volunteers into classrooms to provide small-group literacy support for our youngest learners.
I believe early literacy is one of the most important investments we can make because reading proficiency impacts every academic subject and future career opportunity. Through partnerships with United Way and community volunteers, Reading Pals is helping strengthen foundational literacy skills for our youngest learners.
Standing for Parents and Conservative Values
I was elected to represent the people of Washington County, and I have never forgotten who I work for.
I believe parents are the primary decision-makers in their children's lives.
I have consistently supported efforts that:
• Keep the focus on academic achievement
• Promote transparency
• Protect parental rights
• Ensure responsible use of taxpayer dollars
• Keep the focus on academics and student achievement.
• Focus on preparing students for success in reading, math, science, career readiness, and citizenship
Washington County schools should reflect the values of our community while providing every student with an excellent education.
Community Involvement Matters
My commitment to children extends far beyond the board room.
I currently serve as:
• Board Member, Washington County Chamber of Commerce
• Board Member, Wausau Community Development Club
• Take Stock in Children Mentor (4 years)
• Community volunteer and advocate
For the past four years, I have mentored students through Take Stock in Children, helping young people navigate educational opportunities, set goals, and prepare for their futures.
You can often find me attending school events, judging spelling bees, supporting 4-H competitions, recognizing student achievements, attending athletic events, meeting with parents, or volunteering throughout our community.
I believe leadership begins with being present.
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Results That Matter
Over the past three and a half years, I have worked hard to help move Washington County Public Schools forward.
Results Since Taking Office in 2022
✔ District Grade Improved from C to B
✔ Graduation Rates Continue to Improve from 81.6% to 91.2%
✔ Expanded Industry Certifications
✔ Increased Workforce Development Partnerships
✔ Facilitated Space Florida Academy Initiative
✔ Supported Reading Pals Literacy Program
✔ Expanded Career and Technical Education Opportunities
✔ Strengthened Community Partnerships
✔ Advanced Certified School Board Member
While I am proud of the progress we've made, I believe our best days are still ahead.
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Looking Forward
Serving as your School Board Member has been one of the greatest honors of my life.
I am not seeking re-election because of a title.I am seeking re-election because I believe there is still important work to do.
Together, we have made meaningful progress over the past three and a half years. We have strengthened opportunities for students, expanded workforce partnerships, increased career and technical education pathways, supported literacy initiatives, and continued moving our schools forward.
But our work is not finished.
We must continue improving academic outcomes, supporting our teachers, creating opportunities for students, and being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. Above all else, we must continue putting students first.
For the past three and a half years, I have shown up, done the work, listened to our community, and fought for what is best for Washington County students.
I respectfully ask for your support as we continue building on the progress we have made together.
Cindy Johnson Brown
Washington County School Board, District 1
Advocating for Students, Parents, Teachers, and Citizens
"The best days for Washington County Public Schools are still ahead, and I would be honored to continue serving our students, families, and community."
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