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Two candidates are running for the Lafayette County School Board District 5 seat, each pointing to their community involvement and personal ties to the district while offering different experiences and priorities.

Former Mayor of Mayo, Florida, Ann Murphy announced her campaign on Facebook on May 27. Murphy, who was raised in Lafayette County and is the mother of two Lafayette County graduates, said she believes “strong schools build strong communities.”

Healthcare professional Kristyn Folsom, 37, announced her candidacy May 12. Folsom has worked in Lafayette County for the past 10 years and has two children enrolled in Lafayette County schools.

“I’m a mom. I have two kids in Lafayette County schools,” Folsom said. “Every decision that the school board makes directly affects my family.”

Both candidates emphasize community involvement. Murphy’s campaign highlights her work with the Boys & Girls Club and volunteer service with school basketball programs. She has also used her campaign social media to share resources with families, including information about free developmental screenings for preschoolers and online sessions explaining the special education process.

Folsom said her experience as a parent and physical therapist has shaped her approach to leadership. While she has not previously held elected office, she said she has served in the PTO, attended school board and student advisory council meetings, and helped establish a recreational baseball league in Lafayette County.

“I have all of the experience that would make me a good fit for this position,” Folsom said. “I just need the opportunity to prove it.”

Folsom said budget concerns have been the issue she hears about most from parents and community members. She also identified technology, curriculum, communication between the district and families and expanding after-school and STEM opportunities as priorities.

To address funding challenges, Folsom said she would pursue grants and advocate for additional resources in Tallahassee.

“I’m not afraid to go up to Tallahassee and speak to legislators,” she said. “I’m not afraid to reach out and find out what there is for us to even look into.”

Although she said Lafayette County schools are performing well academically, Folsom said she would like to see the return of after-school academic support programs to provide additional assistance for students while offering teachers supplemental income.

Murphy’s social media campaign has demonstrated support for school safety. In a July 8 Facebook post, Murphy released a statement thanking the staff members of Lafayette County who protect the schools each day. 

“I encourage our community to follow the district’s School Safety Series over the coming weeks and learn more about the many people and resources dedicated to keeping our schools safe,” Murphy wrote. 

Murphy’s campaign has focused on promoting community resources available to local families. Murphy was contacted for an interview through her campaign Facebook account, phone number and email address. The Facebook message was viewed, but she did not respond before publication.