School Board Races: Vote Your Values
Is it a patriotic display, knowing the words to the national anthem or defending the country at any cost?
As leaders in the community, we believe that one of the acts that makes for a good citizen is exercising the right and responsibility to vote.
And we don’t need to wait until November to do that.
In less than a month, we have the opportunity to participate in an important local election.
On Aug. 18, we have the chance to help decide who serves on the school boards in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
We encourage everyone to let their voice be heard in this vital part of our democracy and vote their values.
In the days to come, we hope everyone will become more informed about the candidates who are running to be our voices and vote on our behalf to create policies for our children.
Some questions to ask:
• Does this candidate speak with – and about – compassion for our children and creating access to services such as mental health?
• Does this candidate support a diversity of voices in the learning space?
• Does this candidate support being honest about our history?
• Do the candidate’s words advocate for inclusion of all perspectives and equity for all students so each child has a chance to learn?
• Does this candidate want to listen and work with the whole board?
While national elections capture the headlines, local elections are the heartbeat of a community.
Our votes on Aug. 18 will impact our day-to-day lives.
Our schools are facing difficult financial decisions, and the policies these school boards pass affect our neighbors right here.
Sarasota and Manatee counties have worked hard to set all students up for success.
Our teachers and administration work tirelessly to educate.
Our school boards are important partners in the process.
We have a responsibility to elect candidates who want to see public education thrive in the world today.
We encourage each person to become informed before they vote.
We encourage everyone to exercise this important right in our community.
Most of all, we encourage our whole community to turn out and to vote for individuals who will be great stewards of our schools.
This guest column was authored by the following local faith and community figures:
• Rev. Dr. Wes Bixby, First Congregational United Church of Christ, Sarasota
• Norman Olshansky, Suncoast Jewish Alliance, Sarasota
• Rev. Dr. Paul T. Reiter, retired, Presbyterian Church, U.S.A.
• Rev. Ashley B. Nicolls, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Sarasota
• Rev. Jay Wolin, Unitarian Universalists of Sarasota
• Rabbi Jennifer Singer, The Jewish Open Tent, Sarasota
• Rev. Elder Lillie Brock, Church of the Trinity MCC, Sarasota • Rev. Collis Laton, Church of the Trinity MCC, Sarasota
• JT Priar, Church of the Trinity MCC, Sarasota
• Andrew Hudson, M.Div.
• Rev. Dr. Mary Alice Mulligan, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
• Rev Stephen Hoffman, retired, United Methodist Church
• Rev. Katherine Cunningham, retired, Presbyterian Church, U.S.A.
• Rev. Ellen Palmer Marsey, United Church of Christ
• Rabbi Michael Shefrin, Temple Emanu-El
• Dr. John W. Walker Jr., retired, Bethel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
• Michelle Jewell, Sarasota United for Responsibility and Equity (SURE)
• Andrea Blanch, SRQ Strong
• Rev. Ryan McBride, 12 Springs Church
• Rev. Stephen H. Cornell, pastor emeritus, 12 Springs Church
• Rev. Elizabeth Alexander, (Ret.) Presbyterian Pastor
Sarasota Herald Tribune, Your Turn
Editorial by local community and faith leaders
July 22, 2026