Lauren Abell and Jennifer Collins got the most votes in the four-way August primary, but since neither candidate got more than 50% of the vote, the top two advance to a runoff in November.
News4Jax sent a questionnaire to each candidate asking about their background and their views on several issues. Scroll down to read the responses of those seeking your vote -- in their own words.
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Note: Responses are sorted alphabetically and are presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4Jax staff.
| CANDIDATES |
Lauren Abell
Occupation: School Administrator
Age: 52
Your family: Jeff Abell, husband of 28 years. 24-year-old daughter, Jenna Abell and 22-year-old son, Bryce Abell.
Education: Master’s Degree in Education
Political experience: First time candidate
What do you see as the top three issues you’ll likely face while holding this office?
- Teacher recruitment and retention
- Growth management
- School safety and security
With input from our most loyal viewers, News4Jax asked each candidate additional questions to help voters determine which most agrees with their views:
“Parental rights” has recently become a law in Florida and a political buzzword. What does that concept mean to you and how would it affect your decisions on the school board?
- My children attended district 3 schools and I worked at Gamble Rogers Middle School (in district 3) for 8 years. I see “parental rights” as parental involvement which I highly value. I was an involved parent while I was a stay-at-home mom when my children were young and when I worked in the schools. I think strong communication between school personnel and parents is key, and I value the time, money, input and other resources that parents contribute to our schools. I believe in parents, students and school personnel working together to support student success.
How would you balance new state laws and guidelines restricting how history, gender identity and civics can be taught in public school classrooms with the need to educate children in a complex 21st Century society?
- I will support the work of the top-notch SJCSD curriculum department as they review the laws and guidelines and implement them in our curriculum.
Outline your ideas to address teacher shortages and morale.
- As a board member, I will support all efforts to improve compensation and benefits for teachers as well as boost recruitment efforts. I will work hard to build bridges of support for teachers with parents and community members. I’m proud of my years as an educator and proud that my son was a substitute teacher last year and has now chosen teaching as his profession. I am interested in building and supporting strong connections between our school district and colleges of education as well as supporting professionals who change careers to teach.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
- I have lived and worked in district 3 for 23 years and I know the schools and community well. I have the educational and professional background necessary to be a well-informed, sound decision-maker on the school board. I will communicate regularly with the district 3 community and survey voters regarding their concerns. I worked for the St. Johns County School District for 20 years during which I served on the Superintendent Search Committee in 2014, served on an FLDOE state-wide committee to improve professional learning and development for teachers in 2016, was a member of the SJCSD Strategic Planning Committee in 2010. I have attended every school board workshop and meeting since I decided to run for this office last fall and am often the only person in attendance besides district staff. In addition, I have volunteered for multiple groups and causes (Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Hugs St. Johns, West Augustine Community Clean Up, etc.) and served on multiple non-profit boards in St. Johns County. I have been a member of the Junior Service League of St. Augustine since 2001 and served as president in 2004. I am a founding member, and current president, of the All American Air Charitable Foundation which has raised over $1 million since 2009 and distributed it to many worthy causes in our area, including our schools.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
- I am an educator at heart and believe that education opens doors. The high-quality of the St. Johns County public schools (A school district since 2004) is something that I am proud to have been a part of since 1995. I would like to be remembered for my educator’s heart, my good judgment, ability to listen and be discerning, my positivity and optimism, my educational expertise, my work ethic and my dedication to this community.
Campaign website: abellforschoolboard.com
Campaign’s social media site(s): facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075973085304
Jennifer Collins
Occupation: (No response)
Age: (No response)
Your family: (No response)
Education: (No response)
Political experience: (No response)
What do you see as the top three issues you’ll likely face while holding this office?
- School safety
- Parental rights
- Age-appropriate instruction
With input from our most loyal viewers, News4Jax asked each candidate additional questions to help voters determine which most agrees with their views:
“Parental rights” has recently become a law in Florida and a political buzzword. What does that concept mean to you and how would it affect your decisions on the school board?
- (No response)
How would you balance new state laws and guidelines restricting how history, gender identity and civics can be taught in public school classrooms with the need to educate children in a complex 21st Century society?
- (No response)
Outline your ideas to address teacher shortages and morale.
- (No response)
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
- (No response)
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
- (No response)
Campaign website: votejennifercollins.com
Campaign’s social media site(s): facebook.com/votejennifercollins