Two candidates are seeking this office. It is a non-partisan race that will appear on the August ballot open to all 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 and are presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4Jax staff.
| CANDIDATES |
Sandra Gilyard
Occupation: Retired Educator after 37 1/2 years
Pastor of St. James A.M.E. Church, Welaka, FL
School Board Member
Age: (No response)
Family: (No response)
Education: 1976 Bachelor of Science - Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU)
1979 Master of Education - Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU)
1989 Master of Education - University of North Florida (UNF)
Political experience: ‘2016 Elected to Putnam County School Board
2020 Re-Elected unopposed
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
Title IX
Bond Issue
Reading Scores
Title IX (regarding restrooms) came before our board on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. I am a proponent of separate restrooms for boys and girls. I support providing a space for students who identify as another gender.
The Bond Issue which was passed in 2022 by the voters. A disgruntled group has been attending board meetings expressing various views in regards to how they feel the monies etc. were handled. I will continue to share the facts and assure the stakeholders of transparency . As chairperson, it’s my responsibility to maintain order so that the business of the board can be conducted. School Board members are the Legislative body for the district.
The Reading scores in our district have fallen below the state average over the past few years, however, we continue to make strides to improve our data. This improvement has allowed the schools in the PCSD to be removed from the Differentiated Accountability list for the FL Department of Education. I will continue to support funding for additional teachers, reading coaches, other support staff and supplemental resources for our schools.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
I have served in the areas of Teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal, District Office Parent Liaison
and School Board Member for 2 terms.
I believe working in the field of education has prepared me for this job. I can see the situation through many lenses. I am approachable and community centered. Being visible and active in the community has provided me an up close and personal relationship with the citizens and stakeholders. I feel the heart beat of Putnam County because I was educated and reared in Putnam County.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
Keeping the community united, working together for the good of our most precious resources...Our Children. Being a part of providing state of the art schools to the well deserved students of Putnam County.
Campaign website: None listed
Campaign social media: None listed
Tim Houghtaling
This candidate has not yet responded to email invitations to complete the News4JAX candidate questionnaire. If any responses are received they will be promptly added in this space.
Campaign website: None found
Campaign social media: None found