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.
SUWANNEE, Fla. – After serving on the Suwannee County School Board unopposed for 12 years, incumbent Ronald White is facing his first opponent in the 2026 election.
White, 56, was first elected to the Suwannee County School Board in 2014 and is serving his third term. As a Suwannee County native, he graduated from Branford High School, where his children also attended. White co-owns a plant nursery in McAlpin.
White said he is running for reelection because he wants to contribute to the community and school district that has supported him and his family. He said he initially ran for the position over a decade ago because he felt the schools in the district were no longer effective.
With the continued expansion of school choice and homeschool vouchers across the state, White said the district has shifted to more of a business approach as parents consider alternative schooling options.
“It’s a business, and if you don’t run it like a business, then you’re gonna go out of business,” he said.
To address the potential expansion of home-schooling and alternatives to public education, White said the district should focus on budgeting if the district were to face enrollment declines that lead to reduced funding.
In Suwannee County, 426 students are enrolled in home education according to a 2024-25 annual report by the Florida Department of Education. Home-schooled students account for 0.28% of Florida’s home education enrollment. Additionally, home education in the county has dropped by almost 90 students since the 2023-24 school year.
If reelected, White said he hopes to address the use of electronics in the classrooms. The district provides technology to “enhance and enrich student learning,” according to the district’s Information Technology page.
Teachers and students in the district have become too dependent on technology to supplement learning, White said. He said he wants to give more authority to teachers to regulate technology use and limit the use of Chromebooks and tablets in the classroom.
“Unfortunately, with kids today, they’ve got so many electronics they don’t know how to write, and that’s that’s a problem,” he said.
Suwannee County Schools in 2025 announced it would implement Florida House Bill 1105, which prohibits students from using personal communication devices, such as smartphones, during the school day.
White’s opponent, Aaron Bass, 42, was not available for an interview at the time of publication.
According to Bass’ campaign page, he has coached local athletics in Suwannee County and graduated from Branford High School. Bass’ commitments include connecting with educators, students and community members throughout the district and ensuring families have a voice in their children’s education experience.
As of July 19, Bass has raised $7,350 for his campaign and spent $6,070.83 on campaign expenditures. Some of his donors include out of county contributions from Yulee Custom Homes and North Florida Custom Homes.
Comparatively, White has raised $7,568 and spent $6,852.89 on campaign expenditures. He has less than $1,000 on-hand for his campaign ahead of the primary election.
Voters can check their registration and voter status through the Suwannee County Supervisor of Elections website. Suwannee County’s school board elections will be held on Aug. 18, with early voting through Aug. 8-15.
Olivia Lofaso is a journalism student at the University of Florida, she can be reached at olivia.lofaso@ufl.edu
