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VOTE411 Voter Guide

Clay County School Board District 1

The five-member School Board is elected on a non-partisan basis for a four-year term. Although elected by the county at large, each member must reside within a different geographical district. By Florida Statutes the School Board has the responsibility of setting policy for the School District. Annual salary $39,708.

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  • Candidate picture

    Lara Libretto
    (NOP)

  • Candidate picture

    Erin Skipper
    (NOP)

Biographical Information

What training, experience, and characteristics qualify you for this position?

What are some of the strengths and weaknesses you see in our district?

Should charter schools be governed by the same standards as public schools? Please explain your answer.

How would you continue to improve recruitment and retention of teachers, support staff and bus drivers?

How would you rate the current learning environment in our school district?

Explain your answer.

I am qualified for this position through a combination of training, experience, and personal commitment to Clay County Schools. First, my training and education began right here in Clay County. I graduated from Middleburg High School and earned my degree from the University of North Florida while working my way through college. I was inspired to become an educator by my second-grade teacher at Doctors Inlet Elementary, Mrs. Tuggles, who helped me see the impact a dedicated teacher can have on a child’s life.

Second, I bring 27 years of direct experience in Clay County Public Schools. I have served as a classroom teacher, technology resource teacher, reading teacher, instructional leader, assistant principal, and support facilitator.
One of our district's greatest strengths is our people. We have dedicated teachers, administrators, support staff, and School Resource Officers who care deeply about students. We also offer strong academic programs, Career and Technical Education pathways, advanced coursework, arts, and athletics that allow students to discover their strengths and prepare for life after graduation. One challenge is recruiting and retaining outstanding teachers, support staff, and bus drivers in an increasingly competitive environment. Another opportunity is strengthening communication and trust with parents. Families deserve timely communication, curriculum clarity, and meaningful opportunities to provide input before important decisions are made.
Yes. Charter schools are public schools, and I believe they should be held to the same high standards of accountability for student achievement, financial stewardship, transparency, and student safety.

Families choose charter schools because they offer different educational models or areas of focus, and I respect parents' right to make the educational choice that best meets their child's needs. Innovation can be valuable, and successful practices can benefit all public schools.

At the same time, every school that receives public tax dollars should be accountable to the public. That means meeting state academic standards, complying with safety requirements, managing taxpayer funds responsibly, and operating with transparency.
Recruiting great employees is important, but retaining them is even more important. After 27 years in education, I've learned that people stay where they feel valued, supported, and respected.

We must continue to offer competitive salaries and benefits whenever financially possible. While compensation matters, it's only one part of the equation.

We need to create positive working environments where teachers and staff feel trusted, supported, and appreciated. That means reducing unnecessary burdens, providing meaningful professional development, recognizing excellence, and ensuring employees have the tools and resources they need to be successful. Retaining high-quality teachers, support staff, and bus drivers creates stability.
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Excellent
I would rate the current learning environment in our district as excellent, and I say that because of the dedicated teachers, administrators, support staff, and families who work every day to help students succeed.

Our district offers strong academic programs, career and technical education, advanced coursework, arts, athletics, and opportunities that prepare students for a variety of postsecondary pathways. We have talented educators who are committed to meeting the needs of all learners, and our students continue to achieve success in the classroom and beyond.
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