Scott Peden lost his District 5 seat on the Santa Rosa School Board in the Tuesday primary, but who will take his place is yet to be decided.
Since no candidate received 50% of the vote in the race, the top two vote-getters — Marie Locklin and Jill Broxson Teston — will have a runoff in the General Election on Nov. 3.
District 1 board member Linda Sanborn and District 3’s Carol Boston retained their seats on the school board in the primary. Sanborn had a decisive win over David Farrow, while Boston snuck by with 317 votes against Kyle Connolly.
District 5 runoff
In the District 5 contest, Locklin received 12,970 or 43.74% of the votes, with Teston garnering 11,512 or 38.82% of the votes, according to unofficial results Tuesday. Peden had 5,171 or 17.44% of the votes.
“I’m humbled by the voters’ response. This has been a grassroots campaign with the help of so many supporters. I have received several endorsements, but the greatest endorsement has come from our voters,” said Locklin, a retired teacher.
Broxson Teston described herself as a working mother with four young children, who, if elected, plans to represent other working parents.
“Working parents need a voice for their children, and I intend to give them a voice while advocating for our teachers and support staff, And I want to continue making the Santa Rosa school district the best it can be,” said Broxson Teston, a business owner, on Tuesday night.
“My focus is to work hard get to know the rest of the county because if I win, I’ll be representing all of Santa Rosa County.”
District 1 incumbent Linda Sanborn wins
In the District 1 race, Sanborn defeated Farrow by over 3,700 votes.
Sanborn received 16,340 or 56.55% of the votes, to Farrow’s 12,555 or 43.45% of the votes.
This will be Sanborn’s third term on the school board. She was first elected in 2018.
“I take it as a great honor and privilege that the voters have selected me for another term,” said Sanborn, who also is a retired teacher. “I’m grateful for them placing their confidence in me and look forward to representing them on the school board.”
District 3 incumbent Carol Boston squeaks by with win
In the District 3 race, Boston received 14,589 or 50.55% of the votes, while 14,272 or 49.45% of voters supported Connolly.
Boston, who could not be reached for comment Tuesday, was first elected to the school board in 2014 and was re-elected in 2018 and 2022. She started out as a parent volunteer and substitute teacher and served on School Advisory Councils before being elected to the school board. She has also represented the school district on several state boards.
Maintaining educational opportunities for students while balancing rising costs, shifting enrollment and funding limits set by Florida’s Education Finance Program are the most pressing issues, Boston said prior to the election.
“I am running for re-election because I want to keep serving as a steady voice for every student in Santa Rosa County. After more than two decades in our schools, I have helped raise achievement, strengthen safety, and make sure resources reach classrooms. I want to continue this work alongside the families who care most about their children’s future,” she said.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Nov. 3 runoff to decide Santa Rosa School Board District 5 seat
Reporting by Mary Lett, Pensacola News Journal / Pensacola News Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Mary Lett, Pensacola News Journal | USA TODAY Network
