Brandy Durrance Perkins addressed the Nassau County School Board during the presenters portion to mark October as Dyslexia Awareness Month and urged increased screening and intervention for students who struggle with reading.

Perkins described dyslexia as "characterized by significant challenges in reading and language processing" and said it does not reflect a student’s intelligence. She told board members that early intervention, structured literacy programs emphasizing phonics and teacher training are essential supports. "For those with dyslexia, the brain processes information differently, leading to challenges in conventional reading and writing tasks," Perkins said.

Perkins noted district reading data from the Florida Department of Education spring 2024 English language assessment showing roughly 25% of district students scored at level 1 or 2, and that the district’s freshman class had about 29% reading below grade level. She asked the board to consider how many of those students may have undiagnosed dyslexia and what the district can do to help them catch up.

Doctor Burns, superintendent, introduced the recognition of Dyslexia Awareness Month and earlier in the meeting described the district’s recognition as an academically high-performing district. Perkins did not present a formal proposal for policy changes; she urged the board and educators to prioritize teacher awareness, early screening and structured literacy approaches.