Frank DiCicco launches bid for Sarasota County School Board District 4 seat

Business consultant Frank DiCicco has launched a “students-first” campaign for the Sarasota County School Board centered on transparency, teacher support and rebuilding public trust in the District’s leadership.

DiCicco is running against Scarlett Maria Hess and Megan Tennimon for the Sarasota County School Board District 4 seat currently held by Robyn Marinelli.

An entrepreneur, business consultant and longtime Sarasota County resident, DiCicco said his campaign will focus on keeping students at the center of school district decisions while improving communication between the board and the community.

“Our job is simple: do everything in our power to help students learn and grow,” DiCicco said. “That means supporting great teachers, making sure parents have a real voice, and keeping the focus where it belongs. I’m running to help restore trust, bring stability to the board, and make sure every decision starts with what is best for our children. We need to move past the distractions, listen to the community, and get back to the work of helping students succeed.”

The Primary is scheduled for Aug. 18.

Born in Anchorage, Alaska, DiCicco began his career as a business owner in New Jersey before relocating to Sarasota County about 30 years ago. In 2014, he graduated with high honors from Eckerd College’s Program for Experienced Learners and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa.

He currently leads Sarasota-based RBF Retirement Solutions, a family-owned insurance agency that works with individuals and businesses on Medicare, life insurance, annuities and retirement planning.

DiCicco said under his leadership the District would prioritize attracting and retaining high-quality teachers, maintaining safe school campuses, expanding workforce education opportunities, and strengthening career and technical education programs. He would also work to streamline the district’s budgeting process and make financial decisions easier for families, staff and taxpayers to understand.

He pledged that one of his first actions, if elected, would be to move School Board meetings back to the evening hours. He argues the current 10 a.m. schedule makes it difficult for working parents and community members to attend.

“If we want parents engaged, we have to make it possible for them to participate,” DiCicco said. “School board meetings should be held at a time when families can actually show up.”