Melissa Byrd, Orange County Public School Board Member/District 7
From the Florida School Boards Association
In Summary:
Orange County School Board Member Melissa Byrd has received the Distinguished Leader Award from the Florida School Boards Association. The honor recognizes school board members who demonstrate excellence in leadership, governance, and continuous professional learning. Byrd will be recognized at the FSBA/FADSS Annual Summer Conference in June 2026 in Tampa.
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Tallahassee – Orange County School Board Member Melissa Byrd has received the Distinguished Leader Award from the Florida School Boards Association (FSBA), recognizing outstanding leadership and a commitment to effective school board governance that supports student success.
"I’m honored to be recognized with this award from my peers across the state," Byrd said. "I’m very lucky to be able to do this important work every day, advocating for our students, staff, and public schools."
The Distinguished Leader Award recognizes board members who demonstrate dedication to professional learning, leadership development, and governance excellence. Recipients must first earn both the Certified Board Member (CBM) and Advanced Certified Board Member (ACBM) designations through FSBA.
“School board members who earn this award go above and beyond in their commitment to effective governance and public service,” said Tina Pinkoson, Director of Leadership Services for the Florida School Boards Association. “By earning the Distinguished Leader Award, Byrd demonstrates outstanding leadership, a commitment to continuous learning, and a lasting positive impact on students, schools, and their community.”
“Melissa Byrd’s recognition with the FSBA Distinguished Leader Award is a testament to her unwavering dedication to students, families, and strong school board governance,” said Dr. Maria Vazquez, Superintendent of Orange County Public Schools. “Her commitment to public education and thoughtful leadership strengthens our district and helps ensure we are making decisions that support student success now and in the future.”
Recipients will be recognized at the 2026 FSBA/FADSS Annual Summer Conference on June 11, 2026, in Tampa, Florida, where education leaders from across the state gather to share best practices and celebrate excellence in school board leadership.
The Florida School Boards Association (FSBA) is the statewide professional association representing Florida’s 67 elected school boards. Since 1930, FSBA has supported effective school board governance through leadership development, advocacy, and professional learning. FSBA’s mission is to increase student achievement by developing effective school board leadership and advocating for public education.
Key Points:
- Melissa Byrd received the Distinguished Leader Award from the Florida School Boards Association
- The award recognizes leadership, governance excellence, and commitment to student success
- Recipients must earn both Certified Board Member and Advanced Certified Board Member designations
- Byrd was praised by FSBA leadership and Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez
- She will be honored at the FSBA/FADSS Annual Summer Conference on June 11, 2026
