Alachua County School Board

In the upcoming primary election for Alachua County School Board District 4, incumbent Leanetta McNealy emphasizes the need to address challenges such as recruiting certified educators and closing the achievement gap, advocating for increased teacher salaries and better literacy programs. Her opponent, Lew Welge, suggests a philosophical approach to education challenges, focusing on the importance of how problems are addressed rather than just the problems themselves, while drawing on his experience as a guidance counselor. Meanwhile, three current school board members, including Barbara McQuinn from District 1, are not seeking re-election, raising questions about the future leadership and fiscal oversight in the district as candidates with financial expertise emerge. In St. Lucie County, the incumbent Richardson appears unprepared compared to her challenger, Spera, leading to concerns about her capability to address key issues like literacy and vocational education effectively. The dynamic in Martin County sees challenger Thomas positioning herself against long-serving incumbent Powers, who has handled pandemic-related challenges, but her ability to argue for a change is questioned. Overall, these races highlight diverse perspectives on educational leadership and the pressing issues facing school boards across Florida.