Written by Shari Kilmer
During my 32-year career as an educator, I 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. When helping a child succeed, the best outcomes come from listening, understanding, collaborating, and problem solving to work through challenges.
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That same lesson applies directly to our community in Florence. Just like my classroom, our city is made up of individuals and families with unique experiences and perspectives. When we take the time to truly listen to one another, work together, and approach challenges, or new ideas, with openness and respect, we build a stronger, more connected community. A community where every voice matters and every resident has a role in shaping our future.
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. Teachers are constantly balancing different needs, perspectives, and challenges. We listen before we act. We problem solve and adjust when something isn’t working. And 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 Committee, 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.
Like many educators, I learned how to be resourceful. Working within tight budgets for my classroom and for the entire school as a SBDM committee member, I developed a strong ability to make deliberate, strategic decisions about how to use available resources, while continuously evaluating and incorporating new ones when needed. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for responsible decision-making, something that is essential when it comes to managing taxpayer dollars and a city budget.
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. From both of them, I learned that strong communities are built by people who step up and serve. Their example growing up influenced my decision to move toward public service on a grander scale following retirement.
The transition from teaching to local government may not be the most traditional path, but it is a natural one. It is built on the same foundation of listening, problem-solving, collaboration, and putting people first. I believe communities benefit from leaders who take the time to 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.
The transition from the classroom to local government is not only natural, but a meaningful step toward building a strong future for our community.