Volusia County School Board
School board elections are nonpartisan. Eligible voters may vote in the school board races appearing on their ballot, regardless of the voter’s party affiliation.
This guide includes all candidates in contested races. All were invited to participate; candidates who did not submit responses by the deadline are marked “Did not respond.” Incumbents are marked with an (i), and candidates are listed alphabetically by last name within each race.
Find the full school board candidate questionnaire here.
Inclusion in this guide does not constitute an endorsement.
Click the plus sign (+) next to the question to show the candidate’s responses.
District 5
District 3
Jessie Thompson (i)
Did Not Respond
-
“Sent all my kids to public school thru 10th (not Polk); mixed—less reading/STEM, more indoctrination.”
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1. Voucher expansion
Answer: Support
“I strongly support voucher expansion. Parents deserve choice, not government monopoly. Vouchers empower families, spark competition, and give every kid a real shot at better schools.”
2. Volunteer chaplain program
Answer: Support
“I support a voluntary school chaplain program. Kids need strong moral guidance, hope, and someone to talk to. Chaplains respect faith, help families, and build character without forcing beliefs.”
3. Keeping challenged library books available during review
Answer: Oppose
“Protect our kids first. If a book is challenged as pornographic or age-inappropriate, keep it off shelves during review not accessible. Parents deserve safe schools. Follow Florida law.”
4. School-sponsored religious displays
Answer: Support
“They reflect our nation's heritage, promote moral values, and align with Florida law protecting religious expression.”
5. Comprehensive reproductive-health curriculum
Answer: Neutral
“I support Florida's required focus on abstinence as the expected standard. Local boards should carefully review all materials to ensure they are age-appropriate and respect parental rights.”
6. Expanded release time for religious instruction
Answer: Support
“I support policies that expand release time for off-campus religious instruction. It respects parental rights and Florida law while allowing flexibility for families.”
7. Policies restricting staff-led prayer
Answer: Support
“I oppose overly restrictive policies on staff religious expression. Teachers should not be forced to hide their faith. Respect the law while protecting voluntary participation and parental rights.”
Note: Candidate’s selected answer is “Support,” but his written explanation says he opposes overly restrictive policies. That apparent inconsistency may be worth noting.
8. Additional statement
“I am committed to safe, high-quality schools focused on strong academics, parental involvement, and fiscal responsibility in Polk County School Board District 5. I will listen to parents and work to put students first while following all state laws. Thank you for your support.”
District 5
District 5
Did Not Respond
-
“Sent all my kids to public school thru 10th (not Polk); mixed—less reading/STEM, more indoctrination.”
-
1. Voucher expansion
Answer: Support
“I strongly support voucher expansion. Parents deserve choice, not government monopoly. Vouchers empower families, spark competition, and give every kid a real shot at better schools.”
2. Volunteer chaplain program
Answer: Support
“I support a voluntary school chaplain program. Kids need strong moral guidance, hope, and someone to talk to. Chaplains respect faith, help families, and build character without forcing beliefs.”
3. Keeping challenged library books available during review
Answer: Oppose
“Protect our kids first. If a book is challenged as pornographic or age-inappropriate, keep it off shelves during review not accessible. Parents deserve safe schools. Follow Florida law.”
4. School-sponsored religious displays
Answer: Support
“They reflect our nation's heritage, promote moral values, and align with Florida law protecting religious expression.”
5. Comprehensive reproductive-health curriculum
Answer: Neutral
“I support Florida's required focus on abstinence as the expected standard. Local boards should carefully review all materials to ensure they are age-appropriate and respect parental rights.”
6. Expanded release time for religious instruction
Answer: Support
“I support policies that expand release time for off-campus religious instruction. It respects parental rights and Florida law while allowing flexibility for families.”
7. Policies restricting staff-led prayer
Answer: Support
“I oppose overly restrictive policies on staff religious expression. Teachers should not be forced to hide their faith. Respect the law while protecting voluntary participation and parental rights.”
Note: Candidate’s selected answer is “Support,” but his written explanation says he opposes overly restrictive policies. That apparent inconsistency may be worth noting.
8. Additional statement
“I am committed to safe, high-quality schools focused on strong academics, parental involvement, and fiscal responsibility in Polk County School Board District 5. I will listen to parents and work to put students first while following all state laws. Thank you for your support.”