Education

MA from the University of Alabama
BA from the University of Alabama
    
Biography

Mrs. Hightower is now serving her fifth term on the Escambia County School Board as the representative from District 4. She attained the status of Certified Board Member as a result of specialized training received from the Florida School Boards Association in 2006, and continues to be recertified annually.  She is one of nine school board members in the state to have the Advanced Boardsman Certification given to members who demonstrate leadership above and beyond.  She has served in various leadership positions at the Florida School Boards Association, serving as president from 2015-2016, and again 2016-2017.  She presently serves on the Past Presidents’ Council, on several FSBA Committees, presently serving as vice chair of the Bylaws and Policy Committee, and serves as a mentor to newly elected board members in other districts.

She serves on the board of directors of the Florida School Labor Relations Board, presently serving as Chair.  She also is a member of the board of the Florida School Boards Insurance Trust.

She was the school board’s first representative serving on the Escambia Children’s Trust, and served until September 2023.

Mrs. Hightower led the FSBA’s search for a new executive director.  She also served as chair of the school board leading the search for the district’s first appointed superintendent.  She has several on her church search committees for pastors.

Mrs. Hightower is married to Jim Hightower, retired Coordinator of Paralegal Studies at Pensacola State College. They have two sons, Andy and Patrick, who were educated in the public schools of Escambia County.

Community and State Involvement

• Certified School Board Member
• Advanced Boardsmanship Certification
• School Board Representative to the Escambia County Children's Trust 
• School Board Representative to the Escambia County Planning Board
• Past President of Florida School Boards Association
• Board Member of Florida School Labor Relations Board
• Board Member of Florida School Boards Insurance Trust
• Member of the Inaugural Education Class of Leadership Florida Elder at Trinity Presbyterian
• Sings in the choir and plays handbells
• Member of Five Flags Rotary
• Member of Leadership Council for Take Stock in Children
• Mentor for Take Stock in Children
• Member of many PTAs/PTSAs
• Member League of Women Voters
• Member IMPACT 100