MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. - The Florida School Boards Association recently honored Sen. Shevrin "Shev" Jones, D-Miami Gardens, as one of its 2024 Legislators of the Year.
"Today, FSBA honored @ShevrinJones as 2024 Legislator of the Year for championing public schools," the Florida School Boards Association said. "A former teacher, he’s a voice for students, teachers, and staff, advocating for school safety, mental health, and resources to meet all students’ needs."
The Florida School Boards Association, Inc., or FSBA, is a nonprofit association representing the elected school boards in the state. Around since 1930, the FSBA's mission has been to "increase student achievement through the development of effective school board leadership and advocacy for public education."
Jones was born in Miami Gardens. Before politics, he received a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry/molecular biology from Florida A&M University in 2006 and a master's degree in educational leadership from Florida Atlantic University in 2017.
He also previously taught AP Chemistry in Broward County Public Schools and was the executive director of South Florida Reading Corps.
Jones represents Senate District 34, which covers part of Miami-Dade County. In 2022, Jones won SD 34 after the general election was canceled.
In the 2022 SD 34 Democratic primary, Jones easily defeated Erhabor Ighodaro and Pitchie Escarment with 68% of the vote. Previously, Jones served in Senate District 35 and as a representative for House District 101.
Jones also has already declared for reelection in SD 34 for 2026 with Escarment again as his challenger.
Last Month, Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Bartow, appointed Jones as Vice Chair of the Senate Rules Committee for the 2025 Florida legislative session.
Along with Jones, the FSBA also honored Rep. Alex Rizo, R-Hialeah, as its 2024 Legislator of the Year.
The association noted Rizo as being a champion for the deregulation of public schools, which included "providing greater instructional flexibility, reducing administrative reporting, and providing greater capital flexibility."
“We are proud to recognize Senator Jones and Representative Rizo for their constant efforts to ensure every student in Florida receives a high-quality education," FSBA Legislative Committee Chair Dr. Colleen Conklin said. "Their commitment to our students and families demonstrates that when we work together, Florida’s students thrive. We are grateful for their leadership on these important educational issues.”
