Re-elect Wright to School Board

Re-elect Wright to School Board



Publication Date: 10/12/08


The St. Johns County School District is one of the top five districts statewide in academic achievement. A big part of that success is a credit to the School Board and Carla Wright, its chairman.

Wright is standing for re-election to the District 5 four-year seat in the Nov. 4 general election. She has been on the board since 2001 when then-Gov. Jeb Bush appointed her to fill Joe Gordy's unexpired term. She has been re-elected since.

Ironically Wright had considered not seeking reelection. She felt the district was on the right track for continued success under Superintendent of Schools Joe Joyner. But then the financial crisis, caused by declining property tax revenues and mandated state budget cuts, made her decide to stay. "We are a team," she said of the current board. "This is no time to change board members."

The state has cut $15 million from this year's budget. Another $3 million is looming so far for next year. Keeping this School Board together to deal with this continuing crisis is important for the district's success.

Wright is challenged by a former school principal, Lionel Skeeter Key. He says his nearly 33 years in the school district will give him additional insights for decision-making and budgeting when it comes to protecting the classroom. But Key left the principalship at South Woods Elementary School in October 2006 because of misconduct. He took a leave of absence and officially retired that December. It is reasonable to question his judgment based on the circumstances that caused him to leave the school system.

Wright is a certified School Board member, a state process that is earned, not just awarded on longevity. She completed courses in board and superintendent teamwork, budgeting, classroom and education issues, policy-making, etc., to qualify. Certification is an asset. Wright's background in private business and as fund raiser for the former state-operated St. Augustine Preservation Board are invaluable, too, because they give her a real-world perspective. Re-elect Carla Wright.


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