Alachua County School Board candidates face off in Democratic Party forum ahead of Aug. 18 election
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - Two Alachua County School Board seats are up for election this year, and voters heard directly from candidates during a community forum hosted by the Alachua County Democratic Party.
Candidates addressed several predetermined issues, including the role of traditional public schools versus charter schools, the future of Alachua County magnet programs and a topic that drew extensive discussion: school rezoning.
In School Board District 1, the race is for an open seat after longtime board member Tina Certain announced she is running for Alachua County Commission in District 2.
District 1 candidate Gabriel Lopez, a University of Florida graduate, said his priorities include balancing the district’s budget, increasing teacher pay and expanding behavioral support for students.
https://www.wcjb.com/2026/07/11/alachua-county-school-board-candidates-face-off-democratic-party-forum-ahead-aug-18-election/