44 years of real-world classroom experience.
All in Palm Beach County.
Real solutions from decades of experience. Our kids, teachers, and parents deserve a board that focuses heavily on the classroom.
Every decision should be filtered through one simple but powerful question: "How does this help the student in the classroom?" If it doesn't serve the students, it doesn't belong in our policies.
Education works best as a team effort. We must create a transparent environment where parents are respected partners in their child's education, keeping communication open and honest.
Using my 44-year veteran status to advocate for policies that make Palm Beach County the best place to teach. When we support and retain great teachers, we ensure our kids have the best mentors.
We must ensure that our hard-earned tax dollars go directly to classroom resources and school safety, rather than being lost to administrative bloat. Prioritizing funding where it matters most.
"Don is always willing to help the community"
Distributing reading books to local elementary schools
"High school athletics is one of the top dropout prevention programs offered"
Don speaking on behalf of the coaches in Palm Beach County
With 44 years in the classroom—all in Palm Beach County—Don has seen firsthand what works and what doesn't.
He has dedicated his life to education and is stepping up to ensure that the next generation of teachers and students have the support they absolutely deserve.
My journey with the Palm Beach County School District began on August 23, 1982. But the most important commitment of my life actually started the day before, when I married my wife, Kathleen. For over 40 years, my marriage and my career in public education have grown side-by-side, rooted in dedication, loyalty, and a deep love for this community.
We raised our three children, Michael, Sarah, and Hannah, right here. They are proud graduates of the Palm Beach County School District. Now, watching my two grandchildren, ages five and one, grow up, my resolve to protect and improve our schools is stronger than ever.
I am not just another candidate; I am a practitioner. As a classroom teacher for four decades, an athletic coach, and a wrestling official, I have seen the challenges our schools face from the front lines. I know what it means to "go to the mat" for a student, both literally as a Hall of Fame wrestling member and figuratively in the classroom.
Donald Persson offers a perspective that is rare in educational leadership: over 40 years of continuous classroom experience. His contributions to athletics have earned him induction into the Palm Beach County Wrestling Hall of Fame, and he is currently a candidate for the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
A long-time union member and advocate, Donald understands the relationship between a School Board and its teachers is critical. He believes that the Board’s role is to shape policy and allocate resources that empower teachers, rather than micromanage them. He is a champion for teacher autonomy and believes that the best educational outcomes occur when parents, students, and educators work in unison toward shared goals.
I want to use my experience and dedication to leave this profession better than I found it. I am asking for your vote to bring a lifetime of experience and a grandparent’s perspective to the School Board.
The Experience: 40+ Year Classroom Teacher & Athletic Coach in Palm Beach County.
The Dedication: Palm Beach County Wrestling Hall of Fame Member & FHSAA Official.
The Family: Father of 3 SDPBC graduates and grandfather to two future students.
The Mission: To give teachers the autonomy they need and parents the engagement they deserve.
Vote for Experience. Vote for Donald Persson.
Don is proudly funded by the community, not big corporate money or special interest groups. His only allegiance is to the students, parents, and teachers of Palm Beach County.
Have a question, a concern, or want to help the campaign? Don is here to listen to the community.
Email the Campaign
perssonforschoolboard2026@gmail.com