This story is part of a statewide partnership of 27 nonpartisan newsrooms and universities working to help Florida voters make informed decisions in the 2026 school board elections. Learn more about the Florida Elections Reporting Partnership.
The race to fill former Miami-Dade school board member Steve Gallon’s District 1 seat is crowded. Eight candidates have raised their hands to replace Gallon, who left his position and has earned a spot on the Miami-Dade County council, given that he’s the only person who filed to run in his district.
Their experiences in public service and education vary — some have been steeped in Miami-Dade’s public schools for decades, others have held elected office unrelated to public education and some are first-time candidates.
The Miami Herald sent all eight candidates a survey seeking information on their backgrounds, campaign visions and stances on school choice initiatives.
The Herald did not receive responses from candidate Linda Cothiere as of Monday evening. This story may be updated with responses.
Here’s how those candidates responded.
Some answers have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
James Barry Wright
Wright, 58, is a former police chief and city manager of Opa-Locka.
Miami Herald: Did you graduate from, work for, or are you related in any way to MDCPS?
JW: After obtaining enough credits, I made the decision to leave Miami Norland Senior High School in my junior year and obtained a GED from Lindsey Hopkins Technical Center.
MH: What is your educational background?
JW: GED; BPA and MPA from Barry University
MH: Why are you running for this office?
JW: I am running for the Miami-Dade County School Board because District 1 helped shape the person I became, and I believe my next chapter of public service belongs in public education. I grew up here, attended District 1 public schools, and have spent more than 30 years serving this community. I hope to bring that experience to the School Board and work collaboratively with my fellow Board members to strengthen the schools and opportunities that will shape the next generation.
I also believe the School Board deserves leaders with executive and varied experience. Its responsibility extends far beyond education policy. The Board oversees a multibillion-dollar budget, hires and evaluates the Superintendent and School Board Attorney, establishes policy, and is accountable to students, parents, employees, and taxpayers.
Throughout my career, I have served as a lieutenant with the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, Chief of Police, Interim City Manager, chaired FINRA arbitration panels for 13 years, and now own a small business. Those experiences taught me how to make difficult decisions, manage public resources responsibly, build consensus, and hold organizations accountable. I believe those are the qualities the School Board needs.
MH: What would be your three top priorities as a school board member representing District 1?
JW: My three priorities are student safety, student success, and workforce readiness. To me, those priorities are inseparable. Students must feel safe before they can learn. When students succeed, they build confidence and discover their potential. Workforce readiness ensures every graduate leaves our schools prepared for life.
MH: What is your position on universal private school vouchers and charter schools? Are these policies helpful or hurtful to education in Miami-Dade?
JW: As a business owner, I own a security company in a very competitive industry. My clients have many companies to choose from. I don’t spend my time complaining about the competition. I focus on providing exceptional service, earning my clients’ trust, and demonstrating why my company delivers the greatest value. Miami-Dade County Public Schools could take the same approach. Since parents have choices, our responsibility is to give them every reason to choose our schools by ensuring safe learning environments, outstanding teachers, strong academic outcomes, and preparing students for life.
Katrina Wilson
Wilson, 61, was a member of the city council of Miami Gardens prior to running for the school board. She has Gallon’s endorsement.
Miami Herald: Did you graduate from, work for, or are you related in any way to MDCPS?
KW: I graduated from Miami Carol City Senior, class of 1980. I am currently employed with MDCPS.
MH: What is your educational background?
KW: I have a Bachelors and Masters of Science Degree from Florida Memorial University along with Certification in Educational Leadership from Nova University.
MH: Why are you running for this office?
KW: I decided to run because I want to ensure that the upward trajectory of schools and students’ academic performance continues to rise; ensure that every school in District 1 offers a learning environment that is safe, clean, and a supportive environment; strengthen academic excellence through rigorous instruction and meaningful suppor; uplift and retain dedicated educators; and build transparent, trusting partnerships with families, schools, and community leaders so that every child in District 1 is given the opportunity to thrive.
MH: What would be your three top priorities as a school board member representing District 1?
KW: My top priorities would be student performance and enrollment, employee/teacher compensation, budget and facilities management.
MH: What is your position on universal private school vouchers and charter schools? Are these policies helpful or hurtful to education in Miami-Dade?
KW: I do not support private school vouchers when there is no accountability for student performance or for public dollars spent.
I support public charter schools when they provide families with accessible, high-quality alternatives and practices and are held to rigorous academic, financial, and non-discriminatory standards. However, strong oversight must be provided to ensure that sufficient student progress toward meeting high achievement standards are advancing at a steady pace.
I have not been able to formally assess the impact of these policies on MDCPS.
Wrendly Mesidor
Wrendly Mesidor, 34, is a Catholic elementary school teacher who has previously worked in Miami-Dade’s public school system.
