The Lee County School Board has four of its seven seats on the ballot in the primary election Aug. 18.
Two candidates are vying to represent District 6.
Jada Langford-Fleming is the incumbent for the District 6 at-large seat. Outside her work on the board, she is an entrepreneur, physical fitness trainer and former teacher with 20 years of experience. She is a wife and mother of three children who attend Lee County public schools.
She’s a seventh-generation Floridian and graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Langford-Fleming said she’s committed to a conservative direction for the district that prioritizes fiscal responsibility, parental rights and a renewed focus on student achievement.
School board candidates are campaigning on platforms of fiscal transparency, teacher retention and parental rights as the district navigates a $92.4 million budget deficit and “strategic budget realignment” that has already resulted in notices for 457 staff contract non-renewals.
The School District of Lee County is home to more than 100,000 students at its 118 schools. It is the eighth-largest school district in Florida and the 27th-largest in the nation, according to the district’s 2024-25 impact report.
Here’s what you should know about the Lee County School Board race and a Q&A with District 6 candidate Jada Langford-Fleming.
All Lee County voters can vote for the District 6 race in the primary election Aug. 18, regardless of party affiliation. Voters will decide a winner in the primary election.
About the Lee County School Board District 6 seat
How much did Langford-Fleming raise?
As of the latest report July 17, Langford-Fleming’s campaign raised about $71,285.
Notable contributions came from several political committees, businesses and individuals. Donors who contributed the maximum $1,000 included Friends of Mike Giallombardo, Friends of Jonathan Martin, Friends of Kevin Ruane, Friends of Brian Hamman, Friends of Denise Carlin, Tiffany for Florida, Conservative Leadership Caucus, Conservative Legacy Fund, A Stronger Florida, Friends of Carmine Marceno, Friends of Amira Fox, Realtors Political Activity Committee, Realtors Political Advocacy Committee and Realtors Political Action Committee; businesses including Quest Resources, Castleton Capital, Charles Perry Partners, Geraghty Stockman, Waste Pro, Redish Insurance Group, Gulfpoint Construction Company, Scott Fischer Enterprises, Camprop, Back to Basic Medicine, Hilliard Cattle Company and Hilliard Brothers of Florida; and individuals including physician Brian Harris, attorney Cora Molloy, Lee County commissioner David Mulicka, governmental consultant Edward Metzger, dentist James Mitchell and surgery practice executive Ralph Garramone. Lee County Clerk and Comptroller Kevin Karnes and school board member Samuel Fisher also contributed to her campaign.
Who is Langford-Fleming running against in the 2026 primary election?
Langford-Fleming is competing against India Palencia in the primary election. Voters will decide a winner in the primary election.
Q&A with Langford-Fleming, incumbent candidate for the Lee County School Board
Why are you running for the school board?
I’m running for reelection because Lee County Schools are moving in the right direction, and we cannot afford to go backward.
Over the last four years, we have put a stronger focus on student achievement, parental rights, school safety, teacher support and responsible spending. There is still more work to do, but the district is better today because conservative leadership has made a difference.
As a mom, former teacher, coach, businesswoman and School Board member, I want to keep fighting for schools that respect parents, support teachers, protect taxpayers and prepare students for life after graduation.
What is your background and what makes you suited for the job?
I spent 20 years as an educator in Lee and Hendry counties, which gives me a clear understanding of classroom dynamics and what teachers need to succeed. I have also coached high school and recreational volleyball for 30 years, keeping me closely connected to students and families outside the classroom.
I am also a business owner with several years of corporate experience, so I approach budgets, staffing, operations and long-term decisions from a business perspective. You deserve board members who understand students and teachers, but who also know how to ask tough questions, protect your tax dollars and make choices that benefit families.
What are your top three priorities, and how specifically would you take action on them?
What is your stance on the following issues, and how will you specifically tackle them?
Teacher pay and cost of living
Teachers deserve competitive pay, and Lee County must stay focused on retaining strong teachers. I support reviewing salaries and benefits, cutting unnecessary administrative costs and directing more resources to the classroom. I will also continue advocating for state funding that helps the district address teacher pay.
District budget and deficits
The district has to live within its means. That starts with realistic budgeting, regular audits, public workshops and a willingness to question spending that does not directly benefit students. Short-term fixes are not good enough. We need disciplined decisions that protect taxpayers and strengthen the district long-term.
Expanded availability of school vouchers
I support school choice. Parents should have options, and the voucher system has pushed public schools to become more competitive.
My focus is on making sure Lee County public schools are strong enough that families want to choose them. That means better academics, safer campuses, strong teachers, responsible spending and clear information for parents about their options.
School security and safety
Safety has to come first. I strongly support our partnerships with local law enforcement and the Guardian Program. I also support modern security tools like OpenGate and BusPatrol, stronger emergency preparedness and early intervention when students are showing signs of trouble.
Students can’t learn, and teachers can’t teach if they don’t feel safe.
Parental rights
Parents should be the primary decision makers in their children’s education. Schools need to be transparent with families about curriculum, policies, student progress and decisions that affect their children.
Parents should not have to fight the district to be heard. They should be respected, included and given clear information.
Curriculum and academic achievement
Curriculum should be rigorous, age-appropriate, aligned with state standards and focused on helping students master fundamentals. We need regular reviews, input from teachers and parents and honest use of student data to identify where students struggle and address those issues.
I also support expanding STEM, advanced coursework and career and technical education so students have more pathways to success.
What else can be done better in the district?
Communication can always be improved. Before I was elected, too many parents felt ignored, and too many teachers felt unheard. We have made progress, but the district still needs to do a better job of explaining decisions, listening to families and addressing concerns.
We can also collaborate better with local businesses, nonprofits and higher education partners to create additional opportunities for students. Additionally, we must remain financially disciplined so more funds go where they are needed most: students, teachers, classrooms and safety.
Is there anything else you want to add?
I’m running again because Lee County Schools have made real progress, and I do not want to see that progress undone.
I care deeply about our students, our teachers and the families who trust this district with their children. I will continue to be a conservative voice for parental rights, student achievement, school safety, teacher support and responsible spending.
I would be grateful for the opportunity to continue serving Lee County families for four more years.
Visit votejada.com to learn more about Langford-Fleming and her campaign.
Mickenzie Hannon is a watchdog reporter for The News-Press and Naples Daily News, covering Collier and Lee counties. Contact her at 239-435-3423 or mhannon@gannett.com.
Follow The News-Press & Naples Daily News throughout the Election 2026 campaign season, including important deadlines and Q&As with candidates running in key Southwest Florida races.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Meet Lee County School Board candidate Jada Langford-Fleming
Reporting by Mickenzie Hannon, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Fort Myers News-Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Mickenzie Hannon, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News | USA TODAY Network
