The Bay County School Board District 2 election features two candidates: Michael Petty and Ginger Littleton.
Primary Election Day is Aug. 18. All registered voters in Bay County are eligible to vote in this election. This is a nonpartisan race. For information about early voting, visit bayvotesfl.gov/voters/vote-early/. For information about mail voting, visit bayvotesfl.gov/voters/vote-by-mail/
Here’s what we know about the candidates and the race:
Ginger Littleton
Name: Ginger Littleton
Age: Not provided
Residence: Panama City
Occupation: Retired
Learn more at her campaign website: gingerlittleton.com/
Littleton on why she is running for this office: “I have been in education in some fashion all my career, and I am tired of seeing the same schools in the same sections of town struggling with moving students into high levels of academic achievement. My mission is to have every youngster entering BDS ready to learn. ‘All students can fly, some just need a longer runway!’
“If we fail to do this, BDS cannot make up that lost time and students suffer, families suffer, our communities suffer and our economy suffers.”
Littleton on her top priority: “Early learning has to be the starting point for improvement. The district knows this and is working hard to improve early learning outcomes. Starting at the beginning of this learning chain is just common sense.
“As long as teachers at any level have to back up to teach things that should have been mastered at home or at lower grades, BDS will fail to allow all students to meet their full potential. That failure is enormously costly to learners, to families, to communities and to the entire economy of Bay County.
“I am running to ensure all youngsters enter BDS ready to learn.”
Littleton on what distinguishes her: “Perspective. I have looked at what is happening in education from the perspective of an English teacher at Mowat and at Bay High. I have looked at it from the point of view of an administrator at Bay Haven, moving Bay Haven from Harrison Avenue to Hawks Landing as it matured.
“Working for the state of Florida at the very beginning of our standards-based education system supplied me with how things worked both at the state level and in the small, rural districts that surround us and often surpass us in student achievement.
“The postsecondary perspective I gained as director of the FSUPC STEM Institute has proven invaluable to understand what is required of our learners once they leave our system. These perspectives have been gained over 50+ years. My mission is to ensure all students in Bay District Schools are able to reach their full potential.”
Michael Petty
Name: Michael Petty
Age: 51
Residence: Panama City
Occupation: Education
Learn more at his campaign website: michaelpettyforschoolboard.com/
Petty on why he’s running for this office: “I believe every child deserves someone who will be a champion for them. I am running because I want to make a positive difference for the children and families of Bay County.
“I want to ensure every decision we make is centered on what is best for students, not politics or special interests. My commitment is to listen, to lead with integrity, and to serve with humility.
“I will work every day to strengthen relationships, demand accountability, promote transparency, and ensure our schools remain strong and safe.”
Petty on his top priority: “Given the privilege of serving as your School Board member, my top priority will be rebuilding trust through transparency and strong relationships. The success of our schools depends on the strength of the partnerships we build with families, educators, students, and our community.
“When people feel heard, respected, and informed, they become active partners in the education of our children. As your School Board member, I will make it a priority to be visible, accessible, and engaged throughout our community.
“I will listen before making decisions, communicate openly, and work to build lasting relationships with everyone who has a stake in the success of our schools.”
Petty on what distinguishes him: “What distinguishes me is the approach I will bring to the School Board. Parents, teachers, employees, and taxpayers deserve timely, accurate information, not just after decisions have been made, but throughout the decision-making process. I also believe that our entire school board meeting should be broadcast so that citizens who are unable to attend in person are aware of what happens at a meeting.
“I will work to build strong partnerships with families, educators, students, community leaders, and taxpayers because our schools are strongest when we work together rather than apart. Most importantly, every decision I make will be guided by one simple question: Is this in the best interest of our students? If the answer is yes, I’ll support it. If not, I’ll work to find a better solution.
“At the end of the day, this campaign has never been about politics, it’s about service. My promise is to listen, to lead with integrity, to earn your trust every day, and to always put Kids First. Always!”
dcsmith@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Bay County School Board District 2: Ginger Littleton vs. Michael Petty
Reporting by DeonTay Smith, Panama City News Herald / The News Herald
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By DeonTay Smith, Panama City News Herald | USA TODAY Network
