Hillsborough County School board candidates oppose superintendent as an elected role

From Left: Ken Gay, Chris Taylor, Daniela Simic, Sally Harris Williamson, Karen Perez at Cuban Club in Ybor // Chris Young, WMNF News, 3/20/26

Listen:

Candidates running for the Hillsborough County School Board gathered at the political forum Tampa Tiger Bay Club Friday. 

Candidates running for Districts 2 and 6 seats discussed issues such as book removals, safety, and teacher pay. 

They were also asked about their stance on making the Hillsborough superintendent an elected position rather than appointed by the school board.

A bill, which has passed the legislature and awaits DeSantis’ signature, would put the question on the November ballot. 

The bill’s sponsor says it would create added accountability. 

But when asked, all candidates disagreed with the idea

Chris Taylor is a candidate for District 2.

“Would you think it was ridiculous if we decided that the CEO of Tampa General had to be elected and be a politician? No. But can you imagine, if we said, now you’ve got to go and spend 60% of your time, every fourth year, and you can’t be running your hospital, and you’re going to have to go and raise money.” Taylor said.

Daniela Simic, candidate for District 2, held the same stance. 

“You need someone who understands what it’s like to go through that, to be an educator, to be a school leader, to be a district leader. And having a politician – someone that may not have experienced that – would likely not be a good decision for the school district.” Simic said.

District 2 candidate Brittany Lyssy was not in attendance.

Karen Perez is the current chair of the school board, running for District 6. 

“If you elect a superintendent, put that on the ballot, the superintendent will be more focused on getting re-elected than he is on the students, on the district, on the progress of the schools,” Perez said.

Sally Harris Williamson is a candidate for District 6. 

“When a superintendent, who should be running our schools, is out there trying to run for office, at least one year of his time in the position, will be trying to get re-elected.” Williamson said.

Ken Gay, a candidate for District 6, also spoke against the idea. 

“I think our buildings – there’s too much of a mix of politics in the buildings, we need more professionalism, and that comes with a wise superintendent that has a background in education.” Gay said.

The election is in November.