Former educator turned preschool owner Sarah James is facing off with business owner Taylor Smith in the Aug. 23 primary for Marion County School Board in District 5, a seat being vacated by two-term member Kelly King.
School Board races are nonpartisan and elections are countywide, but members must live within the district they represent. Board members serve four-year terms and make an annual salary of $42,627, an amount set by the state.
It is the first time that career educator James, 32, and small business owner Smith, 24, have run for political office.
James announcement:Sarah James to run for District 5 seat now held by Kelly King
Smith announcement:Taylor Smith to run for seat now held by veteran Kelly King
Who is running?:Marion school board incumbents King, Browning not running in 2022
As a former teacher and assistant principal, James is the owner/operator of a Kid City USA preschool franchise, the one based in downtown Ocala at the Performing Arts Conservatory of Ocala (PAC) building.
James, 32, earned her doctorate degree in educational leadership last year. She was an assistant principal at Belleview High School until she followed her true love: early childhood education.
Touting her extensive educations, James says she is “the educated, experienced and engaged choice for Marion County School Board in District 5.”
“I have teaching and administrator experienced in Marion County,” James said. “I own and operate a preschool in downtown Ocala where I am…
