Early Voting: A look at the Lee County School Board race
FORT MYERS- Several candidates are hoping to take the District 2 Lee County School Board Seat.
The seat is up for grabs in the August 14th primary.
"I'm alittle surprised, we have four candidates in the District 2 race, but it's obvious members of the community are interested in serving," said Superintendent Dr. Joseph Burke.
Incumbent Jeanne Dozier is up against a former school board member and two newcomers.
Former School Board member and District 2 candidate, Bob Chilmonik, says if elected he wants to focus on improving student's reading scores, eliminate long bus rides and focus on improving fiscal accountability. Chilmonik was the only Lee County school board member at the time to vote against James Browder's (former Superintendent) $340,000 buyout.
"It was essentially a giving away of money that could have been used for our students in the classroom. I think it needs to be talked about because it's a symptom of a system that has been free and too loose with the money from taxpayers," said Chilmonik.
Candidate Paul Schafer tells Fox 4 he is running to improve education for the children. He's served on school boards for 12 years. He most recently served on the Illinois Community College Board.
Schafer also tells Fox 4 at the age of 28 he was told he was dyslexic. He also adds he had a teacher who was willing to work with him for several semesters to help him learn how to work with his learning disability.
"I was able to graduate college with honors and a 3.8 grade point average. Often, I feel, we are too quick to pigeon hole a person instead of finding out the root of their problem. I believe I can make a difference to others because of my experience in that area," said Schafer.
Fox 4 also reached out to Incumbent Jeanne Dozier and candidate Victor Dotres, but did not hear immediately back.
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