News Summary
Leon County Government has announced a vacancy on the Children’s Services Council due to the resignation of Simone Marstiller. Applications are now being accepted until May 30. The council, established in 2020, focuses on enhancing children’s services in the county. Interested candidates must have been residents for at least 24 months and submit a resume alongside their application. Recent appointments have included Allison Richards and others to the council. The CSC Leon is also launching a $2.5 million funding initiative for youth development programs.
Leon County – Leon County Government has announced an opening for a position on the Children’s Services Council of Leon County (CSC Leon) following the resignation of council member Simone Marstiller in April 2025. Marstiller’s departure was due to her move outside the area, creating a vacancy for which applications are now being sought.
Established in November 2020 after receiving voter approval, CSC Leon aims to provide essential children’s services focusing on early learning and reading skills, development, treatment, and preventative services. This independent special district is responsible for funding children’s services through a levy on ad valorem taxes, with an estimated revenue of up to $8 million annually to support its initiatives.
The deadline for submitting applications is 5 p.m. on May 30, 2025. Interested individuals can apply electronically at LeonCountyFL.gov/CSCApplication. To qualify, applicants must have been residents of Leon County for at least the past 24 months and must agree to file an annual Statement of Financial Interests Form.
CSC Leon’s primary mission is to enhance and support organizations that serve children and families throughout the county. The council aims to identify children’s needs and provide evidence-based programs that address those needs. The council is composed of ten members, with five members appointed by the Governor from a list compiled by the Leon County Board of County Commissioners, which is required to include at least three candidates for the vacancy.
Applicants must also submit a resume or a brief explanation outlining their qualifications and contributions to CSC Leon. According to Florida Statute, the appointments to the council are mandated to reflect the demographic diversity of Leon County, ensuring a representative body that reflects the community’s composition.
For those seeking further information regarding the application process or the council itself, they may contact Lisa Davis at Leon County Administration or Mathieu Cavell at Leon County Community and Media Relations. Both individuals can be reached at 850-606-5300.
In related developments, Governor Ron DeSantis has recently appointed Allison Richards to the Children’s Services Council and has reappointed Richard “Paul” Mitchell and George “Mark” O’Bryant. Richards serves as the Commission Aide to Leon County Commissioner Christian Caban and has a background in Exceptional Student Education. Mitchell is a Partner at The Southern Group and serves as the treasurer for the Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend. O’Bryant is the President and CEO of Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare and has extensive experience in community leadership roles.
Furthermore, CSC Leon has approved a significant funding initiative totaling $2.5 million aimed at youth development programs that benefit underserved families across various neighborhoods. This funding will allow for seven of the thirteen programs to operate year-round, thus broadening access to high-quality child care and youth services. Notably, organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Big Bend will benefit from this investment, enabling them to serve an additional 100 children.
On March 22, CSC Leon will host a Family and Youth Services Expo at FAMU Developmental Research School to provide families in need with access to vital services. This event aligns with the council’s mission to promote the well-being of children and families through community engagement and resource availability.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee Reports: Leon County Seeks Applications for Children’s Service Council Vacancy
- Tallahassee.com: Want to Serve on the CSC Board? There’s an Opening
- Florida Governor’s Office: Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Three Children’s Services Council Members
- WTXL: CSC Leon Approves $2.5M Investment Towards Youth Development Programs
- Tallahassee.com: Leon Children’s Services Council Could File First Lawsuit
- Wikipedia: Child Services
- Google Search: Children’s Services Council
- Google Scholar: Child Services Programs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Services
- Google News: Leon County Children’s Service Council
