- October 10, 2024
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Correction: A previous version of this article reported Merrick Brunker was majoring in elementary education at DSC. The college's academic chair for its School of Education stated he was not enrolled in the program. Brunker is currently finishing his associate's degree at DSC with a goal to pursue a bachelor's degree in elementary education afterward.
A Daytona State College student planning to major in elementary education is running for Volusia County School Board.
Merrick Brunker, of Ormond-by-the-Sea, filed to run to represent District 4 on the School Board on March 20. Brunker, who is 25, said he decided to run for office because he's passionate about education and is concerned about the future of Volusia County Schools.
"I want to make sure my generation and the one in front of me is on track to succeed," Brunker said. "The next generation needs protection and guidance, and it's essential that I open my ears to the parents, children and taxpayers in this county."
Brunker was born and raised in California and moved to Volusia County a couple years ago. His father, a retired adapted physical education teacher for over 20 years, played a role in inspiring Brunker to pursue a teaching career. It also got him interested in policy, and he said his age allows him to better relate to the students and young parents served by the district.
"Let's give the young people a voice because they have every right in starting to make decisions for their future," Brunker said. "We want a safer future. We want one that is inclusive. ... I want a more prosperous Volusia County."
School safety and addressing the needs within exceptional student education are among the issues he's most interested in.
When asked about addressing the nationwide issue of teacher shortages, Brunker said one approach would be to offer incentives, and those could come in the form of stipends for food or gas.
Brunker added that he is an advocate for parental rights in education and fighting against gender ideology and critical race theory.
"In this county, we should be focused on providing the students with a solid, traditional education rooted in the essentials — reading, writing and arithmetic," Brunker said. "We need to return to a classical education model, and one of the first steps to doing that is denouncing and combating these perverse ideologies."
Brunker is running against incumbent School Board member Carl Persis and former lobbyist Donna Brosemer, of Daytona Beach.
