Meet the School Board of Alachua County District 4 candidate: A Q&A with Leanetta McNealy

Leanetta McNealy is the incumbent candidate for Alachua County School Board District 4 and will face Lew Welge in the Aug. 20 primary election.

Q&A

Q: What, in your opinion, is (are) the most prominent challenge(s) facing Alachua County schools? How do you think you can help change this?

A: We have some prominent challenges facing Alachua County Schools. I would like to address recruiting and retaining certified educators, as well as closing the achievement gap between white and Black student performance. Compensation increases will no doubt be beneficial in recruitment and retention of educators. I support these employees having a major increase in their salaries. The issue is finding a continuous funding source either locally or from the state legislature. I will continue to lobby our state officials. Closing the achievement gap certainly continues to be challenging. I believe there is a need to set higher standards, align curriculum to these standards, and engage and involve parents in schools. Definitely offer more instructional time.

Q: What is your plan for improving literacy throughout ACPS?

A: My plan for improving literacy throughout Alachua County Public Schools have several components. First, provide professional learning for new teachers including the basic foundational skills. Additional support for school leaders in working with state standards, core values, and especially working on school culture. Educators will be expected to use The Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) three times a year to help with instructional monitoring as well as remediation of skills. Listening to students read and give feedback will help with fluency and decoding. Encourage independent reading. For younger students, engage with word walls, fun games, and incorporate hands on learning. Finally, Alachua County Public Schools have adopted a new intelligent reading assistant named Amira Learning. This system gives students an opportunity to read out loud. This technology listens, gives immediate feedback and support. These are my recommendations for improving literacy.

Q: What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment from your time on the board so far?

A: I’m very proud as an accomplishment of the way that I govern. My top priority has been student achievement across the district. Also, setting goals for the district and reflecting on progress I’ve made as a school board member is another accomplishment. My unwavering support of student outcomes is a number one goal of mine. Building positive relationships in the district as well as connecting with the community. I strive to be available at all times to our citizens and families. I’ve certainly enjoyed the challenges of governing as a board member. Such as, setting policies that gives the district direction to set priorities and achieve its goals. Hiring and evaluating the superintendent. I have been successful in setting vision and goals for the district. I do not have a single-issue focus but rather that the success of all students in the district is paramount. Finally, I believe that my greatest accomplishment is my leadership and collaborative skills that I continue to deliver.

Q: What is one thing you wish you had done differently during your time on the board?

A: One thing for sure rezoning is needed in our district. If given the opportunity in the future, I would vote to proceed and not pause the process.

Know where to vote

Voters can find their precinct ahead of the August election by visiting the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections’ website.