Our Focus

Whether they attend Key West High School, Adams Middle School in Tampa, or Destin Elementary in the Panhandle, Families for Strong Public Schools believes every child in Florida deserves a safe, welcoming, and high-quality public education—no matter their zip code, background, or identity.

As a non-partisan organization, we are committed to putting students first and ensuring public schools remain spaces where all children can learn, grow, and thrive. But too often, political agendas get in the way—fueling book bans, censoring curriculum, and targeting students and educators instead of focusing on what really matters: fully funding our schools and supporting student success.

We’re not here to play politics. We’re here to stand up for Florida’s 2.8 million public school students. We won’t be distracted or divided.

When families, educators, and community members come together to advocate for strong public schools, we can build a future where every child in Florida has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Let’s stay focused on what matters—our kids.

Family is Everything

Parents and families are essential partners in education, and their voices matter.

As a non-partisan organization, we believe that parents know what’s best for their children—and they deserve to be heard and respected. Across Florida, many parents have real and valid concerns about the direction our public education system is taking. Open, honest, and respectful dialogue between families, educators, and school leaders helps build stronger schools and better outcomes for students.

When everyone—parents, teachers, administrators, and policymakers—keeps students at the center of every decision, our children thrive.

This isn’t about politics. It’s about putting kids first, always.

Education is Above Politics

At Families for Strong Public Schools, we believe children should never be used as pawns in a political game. Their education should be focused on learning, opportunity, and growth—not headlines or political agendas.

Too often, some elected leaders use education to create division, framing complex issues as battles between parents, educators, or communities. This distracts from what really matters: ensuring every student has access to a safe, inclusive, and well-funded school.

This isn’t about political parties—it’s about our kids. It’s about putting students first and keeping public education focused on what it’s meant to do: help every child succeed.

We reject the rhetoric that drives wedges between families and schools. When we set aside political agendas and focus on what’s best for students, we all move forward together.

Schools Teach Kids What They Need

Public schools exist to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking they need to succeed in life. Every child deserves access to a high-quality, age-appropriate education that helps them grow into thoughtful, informed, and capable individuals.

Part of that preparation includes understanding complex and sometimes sensitive topics—because real life is complex. Helping students navigate the world means teaching them to think independently, engage with different perspectives, and build empathy and resilience.

This important work requires that educators have the training, support, and resources to guide students effectively. When we invest in our teachers and trust them as professionals, we empower them to meet students’ needs and strengthen our communities.

Schools Help Build Strong Citizens

Public schools are the heart of our communities—and their purpose goes far beyond academics. They exist to serve the needs of the people, preparing each new generation to become informed, engaged, and responsible citizens.

From the beginning, public education in America was designed to strengthen democracy by ensuring everyone—no matter their background—has the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to society. When students learn our full and complex history, understand how our government works, and develop critical thinking skills, they are better equipped to protect the freedoms and values that define our nation.

Limiting what students can learn undermines that mission. A strong education system builds awareness, fosters empathy, and empowers young people to shape a better future—for themselves and their communities.

Strong schools build strong citizens. And strong citizens build a stronger America.

Our Team

Executive Director

damaris@strongflschools.com

Damaris Allen is a product of Hillsborough County Public Schools and the proud mother of a HCPS graduate and a HCPS student. She began her advocacy journey when she registered her oldest child for kindergarten and discovered her neighbors were opting out of sending their children to their neighborhood public school. Instead of pulling her child from her the school she decided to focus her efforts on working with parents, teachers, and the administrators to improve the school. Today, this local elementary school is one of the most sought after schools in the district. Damaris went on to serve in numerous roles, including but not limited to, President of Hillsborough County PTA/PTSA, Chair of the Hillsborough County School Board Citizens Advisory Committee, and a member of the Florida PTA Legislation Committee.

Prior to becoming a full time education advocate she studied Christian Education and Theatre at Florida Southern College and worked with children, youth, and their families in the United Methodist Church. Her advocacy work has taught her to never underestimate the power of the collective voice to transform education.

In her free time she is an avid reader of nonfiction, loves to bake for friends and family, and takes ballet classes whenever possible. Damaris is driven by the desire to help parents discover the power of their voice and empowering them to use them to create high quality public schools for all children.

Organizer-St. John’s County

nancy@strongflschools.com

Nancy Tray is mom to three terrific children in Saint Johns County public schools. Nancy majored in social work and sociology at James
Madison University, graduating with a Bachelor of Social Work degree. She went on to earn her MSW in macro social work from Virginia
Commonwealth University. She is also a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from George Mason University. She has
worked as an affordable housing researcher and advocate in DC, a domestic violence counselor, and a hospital RN. She loves tackling
issues that are close to her heart and is currently helping to build and grow SJC Voters for Strong Public Schools – a local nonpartisan
coalition of parents, families, educators, and community members working together to support and strengthen public education for all
students.

Organizer-Northeast Region
Duval, St. John’s, Nassau, Flagler, Clay

katie@strongflschools.com

Katie Hathaway is a proud product of Duval County Public Schools and the devoted parent of two DCPS students. A passionate advocate for public education, she has spent years championing schools, students, and families through leadership roles on multiple PTSA Executive Boards—earning recognition as Volunteer of the Year in 2019.

Katie is a lead organizer for Public School Defenders, a grassroots coalition of parents, teachers, students, and community members dedicated to protecting every child’s right to a high-quality public education. She has also been a steadfast advocate in the fight to reduce gun violence, serving as a volunteer leader with the Florida Chapter of Moms Demand Action.

Before stepping into advocacy and organizing, Katie earned a degree in Public Relations & Communications from Florida State University. She went on to work with Bank of America and the law firm Helms Mulliss & Wicker, PLLC in Charlotte, NC, before turning her focus to creating meaningful change in her hometown Jacksonville, Florida.

Organizer-Hillsborough County

vincent@strongflschools.com

Vincent has worked in public education for 31 years as a teacher, coach, organizer, and advocate. He recently retired as a Member Services/Advocacy Specialist with the Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association. He is the proud parent of a student in the Hillsborough Public School system, and his wife is a long-time educator and union leader.

His passion has always been to help others. He strives for a world where education and opportunity have no limits. This is achieved by empowering individuals and communities through expanding access to high-quality education programs, eliminating barriers along the way.

His goal is simple: continue using my skills to make a real difference and help build stronger, more supportive communities where people have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Deputy Director
amimarie@strongflschools.com

Ami Marie Granger Welch is a dedicated public education advocate with over a decade of experience in grassroots organizing, legislative engagement, and nonprofit leadership. As the Deputy Director of Families for Strong Public Schools, she leads efforts to advance pro-student policies and mobilize communities across Florida. Ami’s work is grounded in her belief that every child deserves access to a high-quality, fully funded public education—regardless of their zip code. Her advocacy is shaped by her roles in local and state PTA leadership, and her deep commitment to equity, transparency, and community voice in education policy.

Families for Strong Public Schools

Dedicated to centering our students in education policy by unifying, educating, and empowering parents to support a strong public education agenda at all levels of government.