Seminole school board candidates face-off

Incumbent faces challenger in only contested board race; winner to represent district 3

Two candidates are running in the only contested election for the Seminole County School Board.

The winner will represent district 3 — a southwestern chunk of the county — but will be elected countywide when voters go to the polls Aug. 18.

Abby Sanchez, who is completing her first term on the board, is being challenged for her seat by Veronica King.

Seminole school board members earned about $41,500 this year and serve four-year terms. Amy Pennock, who represents district 4, is also up for election this year but has no challenger.

She’d also work to make sure school district hiring and promotion policies were free of bias and to find ways to boost teacher pay.

“I think our teachers are wonderful. They have made sacrifices,” King said.

Sanchez said she ran four years ago because she was convinced the school board needed a teacher who understood and could share with district leaders the challenges faced in the classroom. She remains passionate about that role, she said. “I can be a voice for the teachers. They open up to me, and they’re able to share their concerns,” she added.

Sanchez said, if re-elected, would continue her push for the expansion of career and technical programs that help students not planning on college, for more mental health services for students and for pay raises for all teachers, not just those covered by the money earmarked to boost the minimum salary to $47,500.

She’d also continue her support for a reduction in testing and a focus on all aspects of student development. “I want a balanced child. I think social skills are extremely important,” she said.

Since her election, Sanchez said she has worked hard to make herself accessible to parents and to regularly meet with groups of students to gather their thoughts. “I don’t stop,” she said.