Over 75 people gathered Tuesday night to watch two community members take the oath of office to the Alachua County School Board. Each candidate gave a small speech at the end of their ceremonies.
Gainesville resident Leanetta McNealy was sworn in for another four-year term leading District 4. In her speech, she said her main focuses are increasing employee salaries, increasing career technologies and to continue “putting children first.”
“With the help of my four other colleagues, we can propel this school district to higher heights,” she said. “I love this school district.”
Gainesville resident Thomas Vu was sworn in for the first time, also to serve a four-year term leading District 2. In his speech, he said his main focuses are improving academic performance, budget issues, accountability and community engagement.
“I believe the age of deference is over, and it’s not enough to just rely on vague reassurances from leaders,” he said. “It is truly an honor to be selected to serve you, and I am ready to get to work.”
During reorganization meetings, members establish protocols, decide future meeting dates, select new chairs and vice-chairs and assign members to committees. The annual reorganization meetings are required by Florida law.
District 3 board member Sarah Rockwell was unanimously voted chairwoman of the school board. The first thing she plans to do is work with the new acting Superintendent Kamela Patton to establish priorities as Patton enters the district, she said.
“This position is really just helping lead this group of five,” she said. “My vote and my voice is no more valuable than any other member of this board. This is not a position of power.”
District 1 board member Tina Certain was unanimously voted vice-chairwoman of the school board. Although she’s been vice-chair before, she said she hopes the board is “turning the page” and transitioning into a period of “getting things done.”
ACSB meetings will continue to be held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, with very few exceptions.
The next school board meeting will be Dec. 2 at 4 p.m.
Contact Sara-James Ranta at sranta@alligator.org. Follow her on X @sarajamesranta.
Sara-James Ranta is a third-year journalism major, minoring in sociology of social justice and policy. Previously, she served as a general assignment reporter for The Alligator's university desk.
