2026 Candidates Page

2026 SEA Candidate for President - Dr. Richard Thripp

My name is Dr. Richard Thripp and I’m a proud SEA member, an ESE Teacher at Seminole High School, a lifelong Floridian, a husband to Kristy and Dad to 3 young children, and an Education Ph.D. graduate of the University of Central Florida, where I studied future educators’ knowledge of the Florida Retirement System. Previously, I taught English Grades 6–12 for 2 years at SCPS’s Endeavor School, Introduction to Technology for Educators for 3 years at UCF, and social studies for 2 years in Volusia County Schools.

I’m running for SEA President to enthusiastically fight for better compensation and work conditions for SCPS educators, who are burning out from stress. This is preventable and deprives our students of the certified educators they need to succeed. Recently, SEA’s membership declined to 32%—compared to 53% in Volusia. This didn’t happen by chance. Educators must see us visibly and proactively demanding limits on workloads, fewer meetings and interruptions, better benefits and pay, and the trust and autonomy we deserve. Together, we can build a stronger union!

2026 SEA Candidate for President - Thomas (TJ) Bugos II

Thomas (TJ) Bugos II was born and raised in rural Illinois and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after high school. After seven years of service and earning a BA in Political Science, he began his career with Seminole County Public Schools. Over 20 years as an SCPS employee, he spent 17 years teaching middle school social studies and actively supporting the Seminole Education Association (SEA).
His experiences in rural America, military service, world travel and public education strengthened his commitment to advocacy and public service. In spring 2023, he was elected president of SEA and is now in his third year of service. As president, he focuses on elevating educator voices, strengthening member engagement, and promoting policies that support students, schools, and the profession.
TJ remains dedicated to ensuring that educators are respected, empowered, and equipped to help every student succeed.

2026 SEA Candidates for Vice President

Will Dishman

As SEA’s Vice-President and a 13-year SCPS veteran, our collective strength is built on shared experience. With 12 years as a Building Representative and service as High School and Off-Site Director, I understand the daily realities of annual contracts and diverse classrooms from Chemistry labs to Behavioral Units. Together we stand, divided we fall. My mission remains clear: standing up for our rights, because every educator’s voice matters.

Nicholas Cromer

Nicholas Cromer (Nick) is a 4th year social studies teacher and Union member, currently serving as the Junior Middle School Coordinator. He is also a delegate to the AFL-CIO Central Labor Council, as well as a founding member of the Central Florida Democratic Labor Caucus; and has prior experience as a delegate to the FEA Delegate Assembly, the former UNISERV board, and the 2022 Working Family Lobby Corps during FEA's "Education Week" during the Florida Congress's Legislative Session.

Nick's advocacy on the board has focused on rebuilding SEA's structure, with highlights including supporting the formation of the local retirement chapter, providing incentive based rewards to staff to drive membership recruitment, and advocating for a return to the "Building Rep" structure where each worksite has a team of qualified representatives easily accessible to members and potential members.