Baker County Superintendent of Schools Sherri Raulerson is not seeking re-election this year. Two Republicans are running to succeed her, Wyatt Milton and Allen Murphy. As there are no Democrats or other candidates in the race, the Republican primary in August will be open to all Baker County voters.
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 by party and are presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4Jax staff.
Wyatt Milton
Occupation: District Administrator
Baker County School District
Department of Transportation
Age: 30
Family: (No response)
Education: Baker County High School Graduate
University of Florida- Bachelor’s degree in History and Education
American College of Education- Master’s degree in Educational Leadership
Political experience: Appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to serve as a member of the Baker County Hospital Authority, responsible for levying taxes and local hospital administration
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
The top three issues in this race are student discipline, staff retention, and the effects of population growth. As Superintendent, I will proactively tackle these challenges to advance our school system’s success.
To improve student discipline, I will emphasize firm, fair, and consistent practices across all school levels. Partnering with parents in their children’s education and expanding the use of restorative practices will be key strategies.
For employee retention, my goal is to enhance the work culture within the Baker County School District. By fostering an environment where all employees feel supported, holding students accountable, and maintaining high expectations, we will create a workplace where staff feel valued and appreciated, leading to a united effort to provide the best education for our students.
As Baker County’s population grows, it’s crucial to have a Superintendent with the foresight and commitment to develop and implement a strategic 5-10 year plan. This includes expanding facilities and staff, as well as maintaining existing ones. I will bring passion, drive, vision, and work ethic to manage the impact of population growth on our infrastructure. Collaborating with specialists, I will create a comprehensive plan for future growth and establish key relationships with lawmakers in Tallahassee to secure special funding for building projects and programs.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
I can help voters in a way that others cannot by dedicating my life to serving the school system with unparalleled commitment. I am available 24/7 to address the needs of the community, ensuring continuous support and leadership. My approachable, hands-on approach as Superintendent sets me apart, as it fosters direct engagement and responsive action. Furthermore, I bring a long-term vision and dedication to this role, promising to devote the prime years of my life to leading our schools into a new era of educational excellence and serving the taxpayers to the fullest extent possible.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
As Superintendent of Schools, I am committed to leaving an indelible mark on Baker County’s education system. My goal is to be remembered as a hands-on leader who devoted the prime years of my life to prioritizing children and elevating public education. I am dedicated to achieving higher academic performance, boosting teacher retention and morale, and significantly improving infrastructure. I aim to create an environment that nurtures students into becoming exemplary citizens, who will return to their community and contribute to its value, just as I have endeavored to do.
Campaign website: votewyattmilton.com
Campaign social media: Facebook
Allen Murphy
Occupation: Educator of 34 years
Age: 55
Family: Married to Kelley Murphy34 years(Principal of Westside Elementar), Children- Bryan Murphy (Teacher), Kailey, Samuel and Louisa Murphy(Granddaughter Gabriella).
Education: BA- University of Florida in Exercise and Sports Science 1990, MA- Walden University in Educational Leadership 2009
Political experience: First time running for office
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
1) Recruiting and Retaining Great Teachers- I will support our staff with student misbehaviors, get teachers the materials needed to run a high quality, engaging classroom, and give teachers the professional development they need to be successful.
2) Student Behavior- I will make sure everyone knows the Student Code of Conduct and school leaders enforce it consistently and fairly. The district will create alternative programs for educating students with excessive behavioral issues. I want to provide parents that need help, resources to assist in parenting. I would like to see all students who have behavioral issues (mentors) in their lives ie. club sponsors, coaches, teacher mentors, business mentors etc.
3) Financial Issues- I will be creative in budgeting, seek grants that will assist with student programs, and stay in the state process for special facility funding in order to continue building new schools.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
I bring 34 years of experience in education: 22 years as a teacher and coach, 8 years as a school principal, and 4 years as a district administrator. I currently serve as the Associate Superintendent. I understand the struggles teachers have in classrooms and want to give supports needed to make their job easier. I know firsthand how important extra-curricular activities can motivate and encourage students because of the bonds they form with their peers, coaches, and sponsors. I know the tough responsibilities that school principals face and have ideas to help them. Having written policy for the district, serving on the bargaining team as the chief negotiator, acquiring and managing grants of over $20 million dollars, building a new elementary school and realigning our 3 elementary schools, selecting curriculum for the district, and working with stakeholders on many other items, gives me the experience and qualifications needed to fulfill the role of Superintendent.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
I want to see our district become an “A” district. This has never been done before. Many of our schools have received the grade of “A” individually but pulling them all together at the same time would be awesome. As the principal at Baker County High School, we received our first and only grade of “A”. This took teamwork, open communication and planning, and a willingness of all staff to stick to the plan. Also, I want to be a superintendent that listens to all stakeholders and make decisions that will continue to make our district great.
Campaign website: www.supermurf.com
Campaign social media: Facebook
