Alva Striplin, a former middle school math teacher, called it a “victory for the teachers” when she was elected in 2014 to serve District 1 on the Leon County School Board.
Striplin grew up in Tallahassee and after high school went to Florida State University. where she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi.
Striplin is married to George Smith, and they have six children.
Since her time at Florida State, Striplin has become a pillar of the Tallahassee community. Shortly after being elected as the chair of the Leon County School Board, she was also named the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is an organization that helps children realize their potential and build their futures. The program helps nurture children, and strengthens communities.
Committed to public service in every way, Striplin makes sure that she gives her all in all she does.
“I honestly feel that everyone has a responsibility to touch lives. So, I always want to make sure that no matter what in anything that I do, a life is being touched and hopefully made better in some way. Making a difference means a lot to me,” said Striplin.
She also serves on the Council on Culture and Arts and represents the Education Council on the board of the United Way of the Big Bend.
Striplin was also selected as a member of the Superintendent’s Leadership Academy and is a graduate of Leadership Tallahassee.
Striplin has many supporters behind her push for a second term.
“Being a past teacher I definitely can say she’s a strong voice for the education system and goes to battle for both the students and all educators in the area,” said Deborah Mundinger.
Since being elected in 2014, she said she has fulfilled the campaign promise to be a voice for teachers. With both the prior and current superintendents, Striplin has expressed her concerns and opinions with the primary goal of doing what's best for the students in Leon County.
“I fought hard to bring back agenda review, a meeting of discussion and opinions and questions, on the day prior to School Board meetings. This had not been done in many years and I felt it was time that discussion occurred, and questions were answered well in advance of an official vote,” said Striplin.
She’s also fought hard to get as much of a raise as possible for teachers. That fight was successful, resulting in an increase from what was originally proposed by the superintendent.