Alachua County School Board candidates face off in Democratic Party forum ahead of Aug. 18 election

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - Two Alachua County School Board seats are up for election this year, and voters heard directly from candidates during a community forum hosted by the Alachua County Democratic Party.

Candidates addressed several predetermined issues, including the role of traditional public schools versus charter schools, the future of Alachua County magnet programs and a topic that drew extensive discussion: school rezoning.

In School Board District 1, the race is for an open seat after longtime board member Tina Certain announced she is running for Alachua County Commission in District 2.

District 1 candidate Gabriel Lopez, a University of Florida graduate, said his priorities include balancing the district’s budget, increasing teacher pay and expanding behavioral support for students.

“I’m not afraid to challenge things — I’m not part of the group that’s run things around here for all these years,” Lopez said. “People should vote for me simply because not just a father but as a businessperson. I’m clearly aware of the issues that are being neglected.”

Lopez is facing Hunter Miller, a Bishop Middle School teacher, who said his classroom experience gives him insight into how district decisions affect students and families.

“I’m not running because I have a spiteful campaign or because I’m against the district,” Miller said. “I’m running because I see what’s happening and I want to improve it. That’s what I want to bring, positivity.”

The final candidate up for the District 1 seat is current School Board member in District 5, Janine Plavac.

Plavac was appointed to the District 5 seat by Gov. Ron DeSantis in April 2025, and her term ends at the end of 2026.

In District 3, incumbent Dr. Sarah Rockwell is seeking another term. Rockwell, a longtime special education educator, said she has worked to close persistent literacy gaps.

“I think that I have done a lot of work on the school board,” Rockwell said, “as I mentioned we’re starting to close that literacy gap that has persisted for decades.”

Rockwell has also drawn criticism in recent weeks over a social media post about the death of Hulk Hogan. Rockwell later apologized, calling the comment “cruel and flippant.”

Rockwell’s challenger, Gregory Pelham, said his campaign is focused on school safety, academic achievement and increasing accountability.

“I think that right now we need a fresh view on the board, absolutely, and I think I can be that person that will come and try and bring the board together so that we can all work together for the good of our community, our schools and our children,” Pelham said.

The next and final candidate forum hosted by the organization is scheduled for July 15, at the United Church of Gainesville, and will include candidates for Gainesville City Commission.

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