As an educator for the past 32 years, I have had the privilege of working with students from all walks of life. Each child brought their own strengths, challenges, and goals. Over those years, I learned something that extends far beyond education: No two people are the same.
In many ways, a classroom is like a tiny community. It brings together people from different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, all with unique wants and needs. A teacher’s role is to create an environment where everyone is heard, supported, and given the opportunity to succeed. That same mindset is essential in local government. Strong communities are built when leaders listen carefully, consider diverse viewpoints, and work collaboratively to find solutions that serve everyone.
Even in retirement, the lessons I learned in the classroom continue to shape how I see the world and are a big part of why I’m running for Florence City Council. At first glance, teaching and local government may seem like very different roles. But at their core, they share the simple fact that both are about serving people.
In a classroom, success doesn’t come from a one-size-fits-all approach. No two days are exactly the same, and plans often need to shift in response to new challenges. Whether it’s adjusting a lesson to meet students where they are or responding to unexpected obstacles, teachers learn to think on their feet while staying focused on long-term goals. We are problem-solvers by design. Each day in the classroom requires balancing priorities, making thoughtful decisions with limited resources, and keeping the needs of others at the center of every choice. We make decisions based on input from others and with the goal of helping everyone move forward. The same is true in city government.
For many years throughout my career, I was elected by my peers to serve on my school’s Site-Based Decision Making Council, where teachers, administrators, and community members worked together to set policies, determine goals, and implement strategies to improve educational outcomes. That experience reinforced in me the value of collaboration, thoughtful discussion, and making choices that reflect the needs of an entire community, not just one perspective. It’s an approach that closely mirrors the kind of leadership strong local government requires.
Another important part of teaching is accountability. Educators are responsible not only for delivering content, but for ensuring growth, measuring progress, and making adjustments when something isn’t working. That responsibility extends beyond the classroom and is a commitment
to continuous improvement. In local government, that same level of accountability matters.
Residents deserve leaders who are transparent, who take ownership of decisions, and who remain focused on outcomes that benefit the entire community. Responsible decision-making is essential when it comes to managing taxpayer dollars and maintaining the trust of a community.
Perhaps most importantly, teaching is a profession rooted in looking ahead. Every lesson, every conversation, every plan is designed not just for today, but for the future. As our city continues to grow and evolve, that same long-term thinking is vital. The decisions made today will shape
Florence for years to come, and they deserve careful consideration.
My commitment to public service is deeply personal. Growing up, I watched my father serve on city council here in Florence, and I saw firsthand the time, care, and responsibility that this role required. At the same time, my mother gave back to this community through years of volunteer work while serving on local committees and in clubs and later dedicating her time to the Florence Senior Center. Giving back to the community was a lived example of showing up, getting involved, and working alongside others to make a difference. That perspective has strengthened my belief that strong communities depend on people who are willing to step forward and serve. Their example growing up influenced my decision to move toward public service on a grander scale following retirement.
For me, moving from the classroom to local government is simply a continuation of my life’s work. It is an opportunity to take the skills I have developed as an educator and apply them in a broader way, always with the goal of supporting and strengthening the community I love. I believe communities benefit from leaders who take the time to listen, understand, plan thoughtfully, and are committed to serving with integrity. Those are not new values for me. They are the values I practiced every day over a 32-year career in education.
Shari Kilmer is a retired teacher who last taught at Longbranch Elementary School. She lives in Florence and is a candidate for Florence City Council.
(Editor’s note: The NKyTribune welcomes columns from candidates and letters supporting candidates in the May primary. All letters must be received in time to be published by May 16. None will be published after that date.)