Republican Denise Carlin elected as Lee County Schools superintendent

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Republican Denise Carlin has been elected as the Lee County Superintendent of Schools, and Vanessa Chaviano won her seat in the Lee County School Board for District 7.

Anchor Taylor Wirtz and reporter Sommer Senne have been monitoring the election race for the superintendent of schools race and School Board District 7 in Lee County.

Lee County Superintendent of Schools

For the first time since 1974, voters were granted the opportunity to elect a superintendent of schools.

The school board no longer has the power to hire or fire a superintendent to oversee the running of the 33rd-largest school district in the nation.

Now, the only requirement is that candidates live in Lee County.

The two options for voters were Carlin and her opponent, Democratic candidate Victor Arias.

WINK News spoke with parents about this election cycle and the qualities they seek in candidates.

“I feel that it is important, despite what has been happening in the political climate, since what happened during COVID late 2019 and parent’s involvement in their children’s education,” said Creasha Weglarz. “I think it is essential to know who they are and ensure they are a strong candidate.”

Lee County School Board District 7 runoff

The seat is one of the seven on the school board, which sets policies and rules for the District’s administration.

Cathleen Morgan decided not to run for re-election; Sheridan Chester ran as her replacement.

Chester lost to Vanessa Chaviano for the District 7 seat on the school board.

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