The Manatee County School Board D3 race will feature former school board member Charlie Kennedy and political newcomer Jonathan Lynch in a non-partisan runoff.
Kennedy nearly won an outright victory in August’s three-way race, earning 47.45% of the vote to Lynch’s 30 percent. Mr. Kennedy was previously elected to the school board twice. He served as District 2's representative from 2014 until his retirement in 2022. Redistricting has now placed him in District 3.
During his eight years on the board, Kennedy served the community well. He was a refreshingly studious board member who came to meetings prepared, asked questions, and improved each year. Combined with his two decades as an educator, Kennedy brings a level of experience to the job that will benefit a board that is losing its two senior members, Mary Foreman and Gina Messenger.
Mr. Kennedy knows the district and the schools and has an excellent grasp of Florida education policies and procedures. We believe that qualified experience matters and that Kennedy’s will greatly benefit a less experienced board.
Furthermore, in an age of hyperpartisan politics—which has profoundly impacted school board politics despite its supposedly nonpartisan nature—Kennedy has demonstrated a solid commitment to avoiding ideological partisanship. He was a board member with a knack for building bridges and a talent for compromise. Kennedy represented the interests of students, parents, teachers, and the community, not a personal political agenda.
Lynch is a small business owner with children in the district. His platform seems primarily focused on COVID grievances, and he has not demonstrated a solid command of the complex issues for which the board creates policy.
The Manatee County School District suffered a decade of near-constant turmoil, scandal, and largely self-imposed financial distress. Kennedy was a big part of righting the ship. Under the new leadership of Superintendent Jason Wysong, the district has improved significantly and looks poised to turn the corner. This community needs people like Kennedy to provide the required oversight.
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NikkiforPalmetto
Completely agree.
3 days ago Report this
charliekennedy
Mr. Maley and Mr. McClash,
Sincere thanks for your support of my campaign and my experience as a teacher and former Board member. TBT is the most respected news source in our area. This endorsement carries great significance. I am honored by your support and, if elected, will carry out my duties as you describe above. Three weeks to go. Please vote YES on 7 to continue the successes our school district has seen over the past 8 years. www.D3Kennedy.com
3 days ago Report this