Cecilia Trotter

Neutral

As a Catholic, I believe in the sanctity of life from conception to natural death. Being pro-life means supporting mothers and children with health care before, during, and after pregnancy, food assistance, if needed, a realistic recovery time (not 6 weeks), and affordable housing and childcare. I believe conversations between a woman and her doctor are private, and any decisions made should not be dictated or controlled by the government.

Schools are part of a community. If a student faces a pregnancy crisis, they should be supported by trained mental health counselors and social workers who can guide them with care, confidentiality, and appropriate resources. These professionals are essential to ensuring students’ safety and well-being.

Neutral

Student loan forgiveness can help borrowers who face financial hardship or incomplete degrees. Both of my daughters are repaying their loans because they are financially able, but I recognize that not all students are in that position and may need relief to move forward.

The Florida Constitution requires government funding for public schools, and every child deserves a fair, strong education. High-quality public schools are one of the most reliable drivers of community stability. Research shows well-funded schools raise incomes and reduce poverty and crime. As a hub for the Space Industry, Brevard must prepare students not only to imagine the future but to build it—innovating and mastering the skills that hold our community together.

The separation of church and state means our government cannot promote or favor any religion. The First Amendment states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” History shows the dangers of religious zealotry, and our founders understood the need to protect both freedom and neutrality.

Strongly Disagree

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been granted broad authority. Since I returned to the U.S. in 1993, illegal immigration has remained a challenge, made worse by Congress’s lack of clarity and compromise. Separating families, intimidating hardworking migrants, and disrupting communities does not make our country safer or more secure. It only erodes trust in the institutions designed to help and strengthen our communities.

Neutral

Public schools are places of learning and opportunity. Issues such as abortion or gender-affirming care should remain with families and the trained mental health counselors or social workers who understand a student’s needs. These sensitive matters do not belong in School Board policy but in the hands of professionals and families who know the child best.

Strongly Agree

Consequences are part of life, and behavior that disrupts a school’s learning environment must be addressed. My 19 years in the classroom have shown that misbehavior often reflects challenges at home. Students and families need early support, and mental health counselors and social workers in our public schools are essential to providing help many cannot access elsewhere.

Strongly Agree

Students need to learn our nation’s history and understand the importance of our founding documents and the why behind the American Revolution. Though we are a young country, we have long been a beacon of hope. Millions come here seeking a better future. The "American Dream" is woven into our history and our amazing accomplishments. Living abroad made me even more proud of America — a country that embraces diversity yet still finds strength in its unity.

Strongly Disagree

The U.S. Department of Education was created to strengthen educational opportunity, coordinate federal programs, and ensure accountability and transparency nationwide. It plays a vital role in making sure public education is equitable and accessible for all children, helping states and districts provide the strong foundation every student deserves.

Sexual education plays an important role in our public schools. Middle school students need age-appropriate, professionally developed lessons on anatomy, health, consent, and contraception—especially in an era of unrestricted internet access. With research showing many teens intentionally view pornography, schools must provide accurate information to help students form healthy understandings of intimacy.

Social Emotional Learning, Physical Fitness, Art & Music, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, American & European History, Civics, Personal Finances, Foreign Language, Information Technology, Critical Race Theory, Sexuality, Gender Identity.

Strongly Agree

Public schools have long served to “equalize the conditions of men.” A strong K–12 education teaches students to read, write, think critically, and understand diverse perspectives. It prepares them for real-life responsibilities, entrepreneurship, civic duties, and skilled trades—building the foundation for their future and our community’s success.

Strongly Disagree

School choice programs operate under different laws, accountability, and transparency than public schools. Private, religious, and charter schools can select students, are not required to provide the same services, and are not held to the same curriculum or testing standards. As billions are diverted from public schools, the institutions our communities rely on are weakened, along with our future citizens’ ability to participate responsibly in society.

Choose not to answer

The School Board must follow all laws passed by the federal government and the State. They are legally required to implement existing statutes and regulations to ensure compliance, funding stability, and the effective operation of our public schools.

I am one of nine children raised in a Catholic family, and I raised my daughters in the faith. I believe every person is created in the image of Christ, and Jesus’ greatest command is to love one another. It is easy to love those who agree with us; the real test is seeing the humanity in those whose choices or beliefs differ from our own. My faith guides me to honor the dignity of every person. I am not here to judge but to offer kindness, mercy, empathy, and understanding, just as Jesus showed throughout the New Testament.

Strongly Agree

Parental rights are fundamental, and government involvement should be limited. Intervention should occur only when a child faces a serious mental or physical health risk. Every child has the right to feel loved, protected, and supported, and families should remain the primary decision-makers in their children’s lives. Our role is to ensure safety while respecting the essential bond between parents and their children.

Strongly Agree

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. embodied the teachings and spirit of Jesus. He recognized the humanity and dignity in every person, reminding us that character—not skin color—is what defines us. We are all human, with weaknesses and soft spots, yet striving each day with courage and humility is essential. My faith teaches me to see the dignity in others, even when we differ. Any time we treat someone as lesser, we stray from the very principles of love and justice that Jesus and Dr. King lived out.

Neutral

Although I believe marriage is between one man and one woman, I recognize that many people hold different views. I am not here to tell anyone who to love or who to marry. Every person has the unalienable right to pursue happiness, as affirmed in the Declaration of Independence. My role is not to judge but to respect the dignity of all individuals, even when our beliefs differ.

Neutral

Although I am familiar with conditions like anorexia and gender dysphoria, I believe these must be diagnosed and guided by qualified medical professionals. Families, experts, and the child should work together to determine the best path forward. Today’s teenagers are navigating an overwhelming digital world, and the rise of social media—combined with limited legislative action—has left many feeling vulnerable and confused. Our responsibility is to ensure they receive expert support.

Strongly Agree

Book banning has become an all-too-common political platform, even though many of the targeted titles have existed in school and public libraries for decades without concern. Schools have always had guidelines to ensure materials are age-appropriate and educationally sound. These long-standing processes allow educators and librarians—not politics—to make thoughtful decisions that support students’ learning and development.

Strongly Agree

If a citizen possesses a valid voter ID, that should be sufficient for them to vote. Many older adults no longer have a current photo ID, yet they remain eligible citizens who deserve full access to the ballot box. Voting is a fundamental right, and our systems should make participation secure, fair, and accessible—without creating unnecessary barriers for seniors or others who may struggle to obtain updated identification.

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Democratic Party

Moderate

Strongly Disagree

Public schools today are secure and prepared. Most campuses operate with a single point of entry, and many have trained security or law enforcement officers on site throughout the day. These measures help ensure a safe environment for students and staff while allowing schools to remain welcoming places for learning. Maintaining strong, consistent safety protocols is essential to protecting our children and supporting the work of educators.