Lee County School District is facing a projected $92.4 million budget shortfall next school year, forcing officials to spend more than $45 million in capital reserves to help close the gap — while still cutting hundreds of teaching positions and programs. On August 18, voters will choose between an incumbent who says the board is already reining in spending and a challenger demanding a forensic audit to account for every dollar.
Category: Elections
Posted inElections
Book bans and budget hurdles: Clay County’s District 4 school board race weighs an incumbent’s record against her challenger’s plan
The A-rated Clay County School District faces a financial drain of millions of dollars due to the state’s rapidly expanding voucher program but also remains steeped in debates about book bans as one of the board’s most vocal culture warriors seeks reelection.
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In suburban Broward race, DeSantis appointee faces four challengers
In a telling sign of this more-uncertain time for Florida public schools, the District 6 race this year has focused on Broward’s dwindling student enrollment, the painful task of school closures, and whether Broward’s district – still A-rated by the state – can somehow chart a path to its former glory
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‘Dismantling public education’ or ‘regaining our A rating’? Martin County School Board rematch centers on district’s future
Martin County School Board District 4 Member Amy B. Pritchett is defending her District 4 seat against former board member Anthony “Tony” Anderson in a rematch that highlights a debate over the future of public education in the county.
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Uncontested but not unchallenged: Alva Swafford Smith seeks a final term on the Leon school board
For the first time in her time on the Leon County School Board, Alva Swafford Smith won’t face a real opponent in November. Smith, the District 1 incumbent, qualified in June with only a write-in challenger, all but assuring her a new term she says will be her last.
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As Leon schools face budget pressure, candidates Nicolas and Reilly Jr. make their case to District 5 voters
In the race for the Leon County School Board District 5 seat, voters can choose between Marcus Nicolas, the incumbent, and James Reilly Jr., the challenger, each of whom has his own approach to problem-solving.
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Four candidates vie for District 4 seat on Lee County School Board
Lee County voters will have to select one of four candidates they believe are best equipped to guide District 4 through declining enrollment and budget cuts—incumbent Debbie Jordan, and challengers Carl Baxter, Tony Beougher, and Gisele Gentile.
Posted inElections
Incumbent Sammy McCoy faces retired educator Menieca Mathis Kennedy in Hamilton County School Board District 5 race
As Hamilton County schools address limited resources and low academic performance, voters will choose between a two-term school board member and a retired educator with 29 years of classroom experience.
Incumbent Sammy McCoy and Menieca Mathis Kennedy are the only candidates in the District 5 race, to be decided on Aug. 18.
Posted inNews from Our Partners
Hillsborough County School Board candidates tackle district challenges
As Hillsborough County faces increased challenges due to budget constraints, staffing and school closures, six candidates are competing for seats on the school board.
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St. Johns County School Board, District 1
District 1 incumbent Beverly Slough is seeking re-election, and faces one challenger, Kevin Allen. As this is a non-partisan election, the candidates run without party affiliation, and the race appears on the ballot for all voters in District 1. Since there are only two candidates, it will be decided in the August primary.