Hillsborough County voters will have a second chance to vote for school board candidates this fall, after it appeared no outright winners emerged Tuesday with all votes in.
In District 2, which spans from Hyde Park to Ruskin, two candidates advanced with all votes counted: Daniela Simic and Brittany Lyssy. Incumbent board member Stacy Hahn left the seat to run for county commission.
Simic, a longtime educator and former assistant superintendent for curriculum, led with more than 38% of votes. Lyssy, a lawyer and past president of the Tampa Bay Young Republicans, followed with more than 36% of votes. Lyssy led the race in campaign contributions with more than $70,000 prior to the primary. Simic and Lyssy ran against Chris Taylor, a businessperson and former teacher and coach.
All candidates acknowledged the financial pressures the district faces. All candidates other than Lyssy were opposed to an elected superintendent, which will go on the ballot in November, and could change the dynamics of the board. The board currently has the authority to hire and fire the superintendent.
Simic ran saying she would prioritize access to public education, teacher retention and tackling enrollment challenges. Lyssy campaigned saying she would prioritize fiscal stewardship of public dollars and focus of career and technical education.
The Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association endorsed Simic.
“Nothing changes,” Simic said by phone Tuesday night. “I’m staying on the same path. I’m doing this for all kids. I’ve said from the beginning it’s all about making sure every child has access to a great eduation. I will continue down that same message and same path.”
Lyssy could not immediately be reached for comment.
In District 6, an at-large seat, incumbent board chairperson Karen Perez led with more than 48% of votes.
Perez, who had the Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association endorsement and led in campaign contributions with more than $50,000, faced Kenneth Gay, a former teacher and school administrator, and former school board chairperson Sally Harris Williamson. Gay, who received more than 27% of votes, will also advance to the general election.
Perez’s campaign centered student mental health and addressing enrollment challenges. Gay focused on improving support for teachers and scrutinizing the budget.
Reached by phone Tuesday night, Perez said she looked forward to continuing her work.
“My record reflects that I’m student-centered and teacher first,” she said. “I want to continue that work. I’m going to continue working hard toward the general, and doing what we need to do for Hillsborough County.”
Gay could not immediately be reached for comment.
The board faces a range of challenges, from enrollment challenges in an environment made more competitive by vouchers to reduced state funding for its budget.
The new board members will take office in November.
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