Community Over Politics: Why Christopher King Is Stepping Into the Pasco County School Board Race

In Pasco County, conversations about education often center on policies, budgets, and test scores. But for Christopher King, the conversation starts somewhere more personal: at home, at practice fields, and in the everyday lives of students and families navigating school, sports, and community life all at once.

King, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and nonprofit leader, has officially entered the race for the Pasco County School Board District 1 seat. While many candidates arrive with political or administrative resumes, King brings something different to the table: a life built around mentorship, service, and direct engagement with the very students the board represents.

He is also the grandson of blues legend B.B. King, a legacy that, for King, is less about fame and more about understanding the power of influence, responsibility, and community impact.

But his strongest connection to the school system isn’t historical. It’s immediate. King is the father of two Pasco County student-athletes.

From Community Work to Public Office

Long before announcing his candidacy, King was already deeply embedded in youth and community work throughout the county.

As Founder and CEO of The Gentlemen’s Course, Inc., he has led programs focused on youth mentorship, etiquette training, leadership development, and human rights education. His nonprofit has partnered with schools, law enforcement, and local organizations to provide resources and guidance to underserved youth across Pasco County and beyond.

His work has included:

• Youth mentorship and leadership programs
• Human trafficking awareness and prevention education
• Monthly community food distributions with local partners
• School-based engagement centered on character development and life skills

Those familiar with his efforts say this is a continuation of what he has already been doing for years.

A Student-First, Family-Centered Vision

King’s perspective on education is shaped by two roles he holds every day: community leader and parent.

He believes strong schools are built on strong relationships between teachers, families, students, and the wider community. His campaign emphasizes:

• Strengthening connections between schools, families, and neighborhoods
• Supporting teachers through morale, respect, and meaningful engagement
• Expanding mentorship, athletics, and real-world learning opportunities
• Ensuring student-athletes receive academic and character support beyond sports
• Addressing student challenges through a holistic, community-based approach

“Our students are more than test scores,” King explains. “They’re leaders, teammates, and future professionals. We have to support the whole child.”

Seeing Students Beyond the Classroom

Unlike many candidates whose backgrounds are rooted in administration or politics, King’s experience comes from working directly with young people facing challenges outside of school walls, including trauma, lack of opportunity, and limited access to mentorship.

Through his work in youth advocacy and human rights education, he has seen how external factors shape a student’s success inside the classroom.

“Students don’t exist in a vacuum,” he says. “As a parent of student-athletes, I see the pressures they face. As a mentor, I help guide them. And as a leader, I want to build systems that truly support them.”

A Grassroots Campaign Built on Presence

King’s campaign approach mirrors the way he has always worked: by being present.

Rather than relying solely on institutional backing, he has spent his time collecting petition signatures, attending local events, and meeting residents throughout the district. He believes that visibility builds trust.

“If people know you, they believe in you. And if they believe in you, they’ll stand with you.”

Looking Toward 2026

As the 2026 election approaches, voters in Pasco County will decide who they want shaping the direction of local education. King believes his background in service, mentorship, and parenthood offers a perspective grounded in lived experience rather than political positioning.