The Ponte Vedra Community Association, in collaboration with the Palm Valley Community Association, will host a public forum on Tuesday, Aug. 4, for the three candidates for the District 4 seat on the St. Johns County School Board. The event will be held in the Community Room at the Ponte Vedra Beach Library, 101 Library Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., the event begins at 6 p.m.
Kelly Barrera, who has served as the District 4 School Board representative for three terms (12 years), is not seeking re-election.
The Ponte Vedra Beach Candidate Forum is a nonpartisan event designed to ensure a fair discussion. Dr. Sean Freeder, an experienced moderator, will lead the forum, during which candidates will answer questions and present their positions on the issues most important to St. Johns County voters. Questions will be developed in advance from community concerns gathered before the event; there will be no audience participation or open-floor questions during the forum.
“The St. Johns County School District is again number one in the state, and many great things happen in and out of the classroom daily,” said Greg Leonard, president of the Palm Valley Community Association. “However, there are significant challenges facing our school district and every district across the state in the effect of state voucher funds and their distribution to nonpublic education options. This forum is a terrific opportunity for voters to educate themselves about the issues and hear how each candidate will work to maintain our number one state ranking. As we all know, school quality and home values go hand in hand.”
“The School Board representative for our district has a direct voice in shaping educational priorities and policies. This forum will help residents make an informed decision when they vote in the primary, ensuring the continuation of the county’s tradition of educational excellence,” added Lori Wells, president of the Ponte Vedra Community Association.
For further information, contact: Dick Williams (dickwms@comcast.net)
The Palm Valley Community Association, one of the oldest continuously operating community organizations in North Florida, engages residents, celebrates community life and advocates for the Palm Valley way of life — through regular meetings, community events, and its weekly in-season Farmer’s Market at the Palm Valley Community Center, 148 Canal Blvd.
The Ponte Vedra Community Association, established in 1946, strives to build a sense of community and preserve the unique qualities that make Ponte Vedra Beach a great place to live. The association communicates news and information about community activities and important matters through its newsletters, website and social media presence, and fosters fellowship through great member events.
