School Board District 1: Brenda Beery and Incumbent Jamie Haynes Meet in Nov. 3 Runoff

Voters in western Volusia County will decide between a former teacher and assistant principal and a longtime educator seeking a final term in the District 1 School Board runoff on Nov. 3. Neither candidate won more than 50% in the August primary, so the top two advanced.

This is part of The Volusia Voice's election coverage. School Board races are nonpartisan, and profiles feature every candidate in the race.

Brenda Beery

Beery, 53, co-owns Beery Roofing & Redesign in DeLand with her husband. She spent 22 years as a teacher and assistant principal in Volusia County Schools. The Volusia/Flagler Central Labor Council endorses her.

Her priorities, according to ClickOrlando's voter guide, include teacher retention through pay, safety and teacher voice; stronger financial oversight, including monthly financial reports and an internal auditor; a review of district-level positions to cut duplication; and clear, measurable plans to improve reading.

Jamie Haynes (incumbent)

Haynes cites nearly four decades in public education and is seeking one final term. Endorsements include Sen. Tom A. Wright, Sheriff Mike Chitwood and Dr. John M. Hill.

Haynes credits the board with improved school safety, expanded career and technical education, and the district's A ratings. Priorities include recruiting and retaining quality staff, expanding career pathways such as certifications, apprenticeships and dual enrollment, maintaining academic achievement and school safety, and continuing existing policies rather than creating new ones.

A third candidate

Jaclyn Carrell also appeared on the August primary ballot and did not advance.

What District 1 covers

District 1 covers the western part of Volusia County. Voters in that part of the county will see this race on their ballot.

What the board does

The School Board sets policy and the budget for Volusia County Schools, hires and oversees the superintendent, and adopts the district's property tax rate request. Board members' decisions affect teacher pay, school safety and the district's finances.

How to vote

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, with polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Check your sample ballot with the Volusia County Supervisor of Elections at 386-736-5930. The Volusia Voice will continue to cover local races through Election Day.