Press Release
By We the People
07-30-24
Please join us for an enlightening Happy Hour for Concerned Conservatives on Monday, August 5th, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Walkers Landing, March Creek Road, Amelia Island Plantation. Meet like-minded friends & neighbor as we hear from the Candidates for Nassau County School Board Member including District 2 Gail G. Cook and Yvon R. Joinville and District 4 Cynthia K. Grooms and Kristi Simpkins.
$10 cover charge per person, plus
BYOB and bring an appetizer to share
Feel free to invite any friends who may have an interest
RSVP to Deb Boelkes by August 1st
904-310-9602 ~
If you register but are unable to attend, please cancel with Deb ASAP
About Gail Cook
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Gail Cook is a proud product of the Nassau County School District having graduating from FBHS. She received her BsED from GA Southern College.
Gail’s daughters also graduated from FBHS. While her children were attending school, Gail
served as PTO President for both Southside Elementary and Emma Love Hardee. In addition, she volunteered for numerous opportunities while they attended elementary, middle and high school. Gail also served on both the school and district School Advisory Councils (SAC) as they were first being formed.
Gail challenges herself to be as prepared as possible for each board meeting by investigating and clarifying any questions concerning the agenda. She has taken many courses over the years on a variety of subjects to stay informed on issues facing the school district. Gail achieved Master Board certification and continues to take courses such as Special Education Law. Gail attends as many events at all Nassau County schools as her schedule allows, including band concerts, plays, sporting events, fund raisers, Open House events and other special programs.
Gail was employed for 15 years with Family Support Services, the lead agency for foster care and adoption in Duval and Nassau County. She served as the Education Liaison working with case managers, foster parents and Guardian ad Litem (GAL) volunteers to help them advocate for children in their care. She still trains GAL volunteers to serve as education surrogates.
Gail tells us, “Our school system is facing many challenges due to the rapid growth happening throughout our county. I feel that my training, experience and passion for public education can still serve our students, parents, faculty and staff of Nassau County.”
About Yvon R. Joinville
Roody Joinville is a proven and dedicated leader in education. His career in education spans over 26 years. During this time he taught reading, English as a Second Language, French, and Spanish. He has a record of bridging the achievement gap in the classroom as a teacher and administrator. While serving as Yulee High School’s Assistant Principal and Principal, he pioneered the first parent-teacher organization (PTO) since the school’s inception. He increased student and parent involvement through that program, which included hosting a college and career fair. Roody will bring a fresh perspective to the Nassau County School Board. As a board member, he will bring transparent governance and ensure that the board is fiscally responsible.
Roody earned a bachelor’s degree in French from Florida International University, a master’s degree in teaching English as a second language (TESOL) from Nova Southeastern University, a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, and another Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of West Florida where he is a doctoral candidate. He is married to his wife of 21 years, Dr. Victoria Hoff-Joinville, and he has three children: Emily, Sebastian, and Celine.
About Dr. Cynthia Grooms
Dr. Cindy Grooms currently serves on the Nassau County School Board representing District 4.
She has lived in Nassau County since 1977. She attended Nassau County schools and is a 1981 graduate of Hilliard Junior-Senior High School. Dr. Grooms has dedicated over 20 years of her life to the education of the youth of Nassau County serving as an ESE teacher, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, District Coordinator of Student Services, and Director of Secondary Education. This experience has provided her great insight into the operations of a school district and the responsibilities and duties of a School Board Member.
Cindy holds a B.A. degree in Elementary Education, M.S. degree in Special Education, and an Ed.D. in Educational leadership.
About Kristi Simpkins
Kristi Simpkins is a highly respected educational leader with over 30 years of practical experience in the Nassau County School District. During her tenure, she served as a teacher at Callahan Elementary, principal at Hilliard Elementary, and Nassau County’s Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction. Upon her retirement, former Nassau County Superintendent Dr. John Ruis referred to Kristi as “the most effective instructional leader he had worked with in his 41 years of professional experience.”
While serving in leadership positions in Nassau County, Kristi:
· Led Hilliard Elementary School to an A rating for 10 consecutive years.
· Oversaw 25+ county-wide professional development opportunities.
· Created and implemented the Nassau Educational Leadership Program
As a District 4 Representative of the Nassau County School Board, Kristi pledges to prioritize:
· Campus safety and security
· Fiscal and instructional responsibility and transparency.
· Recruitment and retention of talented teachers for the county.
· Initiatives and programs that meet the differentiated needs of our students.
A lifelong resident of Hilliard, Kristi began her educational journey in Nassau County and graduated from Hilliard Middle-Senior High School in 1986. She went on to earn an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Jacksonville University and a graduate degree in Educational Leadership from the University of North Florida.
Deb Boelkes
1417 Sadler Road, Suite 207
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
