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.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — It is election season again, and Bay County is in the thick of selecting new school board members. In District 2, two prominent educators are going against each other in a race that features heavy discussions about policy and the path forward for student academic success.

Both Ginger Littleton and Michael Petty are vying for the District 2 seat.

Petty is a Guardian ad Litem and former literacy teacher and administrator with more than 20 years of experience. Petty said he has decided to take these skills to a higher level and advocate for what he knows his district can do.

“A willingness, a command to ask the questions, understand the answers, understand what I’m reading and force improvement. That is what I hope to bring to the school board. Three votes to make a change, to move an agenda, to make improvements and bring people together for our county and our kids,” Petty said in a video posted to his campaign Facebook page.

Petty has spoken to his emphasis on children with exceptional needs as he was a child who relied on an Individualized Education Plan, or IEP—a customized program schools offer for students who have a diagnosed disability that impacts their ability to learn.

“I understand firsthand how meaningful the right support can be in helping a student overcome challenges, build confidence, and reach their potential,” he wrote. “Several years ago, our district commissioned a comprehensive review of its Exceptional Student Education program. If we are serious about improving outcomes for students and families — and I know we are — we must fully implement the recommendations from that report. Lasting change requires more than good intentions; it requires accountability, action, and follow-through.”

Meanwhile, Littleton is also a former educator who spent 30 years in the classroom and 13 years with the Bay County school board. She’s trying to return to the seat she held until 2019.

On her campaign Facebook page, Littleton has raised concerns about how well students are being prepared for careers in tech and industry. She recently received an endorsement from Paul Cottle, chair of Florida State University’s physics department and author of the education policy blog Bridge to Tomorrow, as well as former Bay School Board member Ryan Neves.

“Children can do more than we sometimes think they can,” said Littleton in a video posted to her Facebook. “We cannot underestimate the skills and the interest our children have. Let’s all up the ante for all our learners and provide as many avenues as possible for success.”

In another post, she went on to describe a need to focus more on career and technical education as well as areas like science, technology, engineering, and math.

“Every Bay County student who walks away from a science or math class thinking it was not for them is a runway we failed to build. I am going back to that boardroom to build it,” Littleton wrote in a post on July 23.

The District 2 seat came open earlier this year when school board member Ann Leonard announced she would not seek re-election and cited political interference as a reason.

“As a lifelong educator, I’ve always tried to focus on what’s best for students and I’ve sadly come to believe that politics at all levels is increasingly interfering with our ability to just focus on doing what’s right for kids. [It’s] just time for me to step aside and find other ways to continue supporting Bay District Schools,” she said during her announcement as reported by WMBB.

As Election Day approaches, the candidates are entering the final stretch of the race while making their final appeal to Bay County voters.

Bay County’s Primary Election Day is set for Aug. 18.

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