PUNTA GORDA — The Charlotte County Public Schools has a new School Board member. 

As Kim Amontree seeks a seat on the Charlotte County Board of Commissioners, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis had to make a decision on her replacement. 

It is Tony Smith. 

According to a news release from the Governor’s Office, Smith is a partner and vice president of Ashley, Brown & Smith, CPA’s, P.A.

“Active in his community, he is the treasurer of the Florida International Air Show, Inc. and serves as a member of the AdventHealth Southwest Florida Foundation Board of Directors and the Independent Referendum Oversight and Budget Advisory Committee,” it noted.

He is a Navy veteran and earned a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from Florida Gulf Coast University, according to the news release.

The Charlotte County Public Schools issued a news release about Smith late Friday.

“We welcome Mr. Smith and look forward to working together to support our students, families, and schools as we continue our mission to educate, inspire, and support all students to build stronger communities,” it stated.

It also wanted to recognize Amontree for her decade of “dedicated service” on the School Board.

“Mrs. Amontree has been a strong advocate for students, a committed partner to our schools, and a valued voice for the Charlotte County community,” the district’s news release stated. “Her leadership has been an important part of our district’s story, and we appreciate the time, energy, and heart she has given in service to our students and families.”

Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the appointment of Tony Smith to represent District 2 on the Charlotte County School Board. We welcome Mr. Smith and look forward to working together to support our students, families, and schools as we continue our mission to educate, inspire, and support all students to build stronger communities.

We also want to recognize Kim Amontree for 10 years of dedicated service as a School Board Member. Mrs. Amontree has been a strong advocate for students, a committed partner to our schools, and a valued voice for the Charlotte County community. Her leadership has been an important part of our district’s story, and we appreciate the time, energy, and heart she has given in service to our students and families.