School board results: Two races decided; two races head to run-offs
Two of the four School Board of Lee County races on the ballot were decided in Tuesday’s primary election, with the remaining two races headed to run-offs in the general election in November.
School Board Member Sam Fisher was re-elected to the District 1 seat, while School Board Member Jada Langford Fleming was re-elected to the District 6 seat — an at-large one decided countywide.
The incumbent, Fisher faced off against challenger Jenn McDaigle for the seat, which is a four-year term from 2026-30. He garnered 17,510 votes — 57.59% of the total ballots cast — compared to McDaigle’s 12,892 votes — 42.41%.
“I’m very humbled and honored to represent District 1 on the school board again,” Fisher said of his win, adding that he thinks the results of the race reflect a strong message sent by voters.
“We’re going in the right direction,” he said. “We’ve done a lot of work these last four years — I’m very proud of that work.”
Asked about his top priorities for his second term, Fisher cited continuing to focus on the same priorities, including becoming an A district in the state and increasing student achievement. He also noted continuing discussions on the district’s budget and student enrollment.
“I really want to showcase what we do in our schools, in our high schools,” Fisher added. “We have some great academic programs.”
He pointed to the current technical education.
“We’re doing some great things,” Fisher said. “I think we can improve on that.”
He extended his gratitude to his family, support team and campaign team.
“Thank you, obviously, so much to the voters,” Fisher added. “They have been amazing.”
He also extended a thank you to McDaigle.
“I appreciate anyone who steps up to run for office,” Fisher said.
On her loss, McDaigle called the election results “disappointing.”
“But I’m really proud of what we did,” she said, explaining that she entered the race late, with only four months to campaign. “I’m really proud that we were able to get over 42% against an incumbent.”
McDaigle spoke of the parents and staff who shared their stories with her in their support.
“I’m really grateful for how many people stepped up,” she said.
McDaigle extended her thanks to her “scrappy little team” of eight or 10, most with full-time jobs.
“I am immensely grateful for the people who came on board with short notice,” she said. “I am immensely grateful for their belief, for their support — I wish I could have won.”
Only voters in District 1, which includes Sanibel, Captiva, Boca Grande and much of Cape Coral, could cast a ballot in the race.
District 6
District 6 Lee County School Board Board Member Jada Langford Fleming was re-elected handily to a second term, fending off a primary challenge from India Palencia for the at-large seat.
Langford Fleming received more than 66.1% of the vote, compared to 33.9% for Palencia. The district covers all of Lee County.
“I am so honored to be able to continue to serve the children and the families and the educators,” Langford Fleming said on Tuesday after her win.
“It’s been a great four years,” Langford Fleming said.
Langford Fleming earned her second four-year term on the board, with the overwhelming victory.
Langford Fleming commended Palencia on her campaign.
“It takes a lot of courage,” she said. “I applaud anyone who runs for office.”
Langford Fleming, a former elementary school teacher in the School District of Lee County, currently works as an athletic trainer in addition to her $54,000 job on the school board.
Langford Fleming said she knocked on more than 3,000 doors.
“I worked really hard,” she said. “It’s the honor of a lifetime.”
Palencia, a substitute teacher in the School District of Lee County, had run a campaign challenging Langford Fleming and the school board’s management of the district’s finances during a time of fiscal crisis in which the district reported an operating deficit of more than $90 million earlier this year. The Estero resident also criticized the district’s record on student achievement. Hundreds of staff members lost their jobs in recent months.
Langford Fleming, of Fort Myers, had touted the district’s cuts to the administration and staff in dealing with the budget crisis, while focusing on student achievement.
Langford Fleming said her goal is for the school district to have a 100% graduation rate and that all students will be able to read at grade level.
“I can’t wait to see what happens four years from now,” Langford Fleming said.
District 4
In the District 4 race, incumbent School Board Member Debbie Jordan fought to hold onto her seat against three challengers, Carl W. Baxter, Tony Beougher and Gisele “Gigi” Gentile. With no candidate winning a majority vote of 50% plus one, the top two vote-getters advance to the general election to face each other.
On Nov. 3, Jordan and Beougher will vie for the seat. Jordan won 7,823 votes — 39.28% of the total ballots cast — and Beougher earned 6,277 votes — 31.52%. Gentile came in in third place scoring 3,399 votes — 17.07%, while Baxter received 2,416 votes — 12.13% — for last place.
“I am grateful beyond words,” Jordan said of moving forward to the general election, adding that she felt she would and the results of the election proved that the community wants her to continue on.
“I’m going to do everything that I can to hold onto my seat because I do believe that I’m the person that needs to be here to be the voice for the community,” she said. “Not just for certain segments, but for the entire community.”
Jordan plans to stick with her platform heading into November.
“It’s simple — being present, making sure that the budget reflects what we’re doing,” she said. “Our schools are so important, our children are so important.”
“We need to concentrate on that, not on the politics,” Jordan added. “This is a nonpartisan seat and I want to make sure it remains that way because we represent everyone.”
She pointed out that without the support of the community and voters, she would not be here.
“So I am just so thankful for them,” Jordan said. “I am very grateful for the support that has been given to me and the trust that has been bestowed upon me.”
“I will continue to work toward that and will continue to be transparent in what I do,” she added.
Also headed to the general election, Beougher shared that he is excited.
“This was, obviously, the first step,” he said. “We had to make it through a crowded primary — it made it interesting.”
“I’m looking forward to a one-on-one general election now,” Beougher added.
He intends to stay on track with his platform moving toward November.
“I think I’m right for the school district,” Beougher said. “I’m a highly qualified candidate. I think my business experience will help with the district’s budget situation.”
He noted that he and his wife were in tears on election day seeing all of their supporters and friends waving signs and encouraging voters at the polling sites.
“I’m just so thankful for all of the of supporters, all of the volunteers,” Beougher said. “We had great support.”
He added that like him, his team is now focused on the general election.
“I’m encouraged by it,” Beougher said. “That really gives me that extra boost of energy.”
On not moving forward, Baxter explained that the voters decided so he is pleased with the results.
“At this point, may the best individual win — I will support either candidate that’s going to do what’s best for the children,” he said, noting that he does have one concern with Jordan and Beougher.
“Are they ready for the challenge that’s going to be ahead of them for this upcoming season? Because it’s about our children,” Baxter said, also citing parents and staff. “That was part of my platform.”
He voiced appreciation for those who supported him.
“I’m grateful for all of my support team. We had a great team,” Baxter said, adding that his opponents reached out after the election results came in and thanked him for running an honest campaign. “I’m going to move forward in a positive way.”
Gentile could not be reached for comment as of press time.
A four-year term from 2026-30, the District 4 seat includes part of Cape Coral, North Fort Myers and part of Fort Myers. Only voters in the district could cast a ballot in the race.
District 5
For the District 5 race, incumbent School Board Member Armor Persons battled to retain his seat against two challengers, Crystal Johnson and Carline Saintilus. With no candidate winning a majority vote of 50% plus one, the top two vote-getters advance to the general election to face one another.
On Nov. 3, Persons and Johnson will vie for the seat. Persons won 7,337 votes — 43.38% of the total ballots cast — and Johnson earned 5,315 votes — 31.42%. Saintilus scored 4,263 votes — 25.20% — for last place.
A four-year term from 2026-30, the District 5 seat includes the northeastern region, like Lehigh Acres, Alva, Buckingham and Olga, and the outer northeastern section of Fort Myers. Only voters in the district could cast a ballot in the race.
All election results are unofficial until certified.
— Nathan Mayberg contributed to this report.
To reach Tiffany Repecki, please email trepecki@breezenewspapers.com