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<\/p>\nTwo of the four School Board of Lee County races on the ballot were decided in Tuesday\u2019s primary election, with the remaining two races headed to run-offs in the general election in November.<\/p>\n
School Board Member Sam Fisher was re-elected to the District 1 seat, while School Board Member Jada Langford Fleming was re-elected to the District 6 seat \u2014 an at-large one decided countywide.<\/p>\n
The incumbent, Fisher faced off against challenger Jenn McDaigle for the seat, which is a four-year term from 2026-30. He garnered 17,510 votes \u2014 57.59% of the total ballots cast \u2014 compared to McDaigle\u2019s 12,892 votes \u2014 42.41%.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m very humbled and honored to represent District 1 on the school board again,\u201d Fisher said of his win, adding that he thinks the results of the race reflect a strong message sent by voters.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re going in the right direction,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019ve done a lot of work these last four years \u2014 I\u2019m very proud of that work.\u201d<\/p>\n
Asked about his top priorities for his second term, Fisher cited continuing to focus on the same priorities, including becoming an A district in the state and increasing student achievement. He also noted continuing discussions on the district\u2019s budget and student enrollment.<\/p>\n
\u201cI really want to showcase what we do in our schools, in our high schools,\u201d Fisher added. \u201cWe have some great academic programs.\u201d<\/p>\n
He pointed to the current technical education.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re doing some great things,\u201d Fisher said. \u201cI think we can improve on that.\u201d<\/p>\n
He extended his gratitude to his family, support team and campaign team.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you, obviously, so much to the voters,\u201d Fisher added. \u201cThey have been amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n
He also extended a thank you to McDaigle.<\/p>\n
\u201cI appreciate anyone who steps up to run for office,\u201d Fisher said.<\/p>\n
On her loss, McDaigle called the election results \u201cdisappointing.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut I\u2019m really proud of what we did,\u201d she said, explaining that she entered the race late, with only four months to campaign. \u201cI\u2019m really proud that we were able to get over 42% against an incumbent.\u201d<\/p>\n
McDaigle spoke of the parents and staff who shared their stories with her in their support.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m really grateful for how many people stepped up,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
McDaigle extended her thanks to her \u201cscrappy little team\u201d of eight or 10, most with full-time jobs.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am immensely grateful for the people who came on board with short notice,\u201d she said. \u201cI am immensely grateful for their belief, for their support \u2014 I wish I could have won.\u201d<\/p>\n
Only voters in District 1, which includes Sanibel, Captiva, Boca Grande and much of Cape Coral, could cast a ballot in the race.<\/p>\n
District 6 <\/p>\n
District 6 Lee County School Board Board Member Jada Langford Fleming was re-elected handily to a second term, fending off a primary challenge from India Palencia for the at-large seat.<\/p>\n
Langford Fleming received more than 66.1% of the vote, compared to 33.9% for Palencia. The district covers all of Lee County.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am so honored to be able to continue to serve the children and the families and the educators,\u201d Langford Fleming said on Tuesday after her win.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been a great four years,\u201d Langford Fleming said. <\/p>\n
Langford Fleming earned her second four-year term on the board, with the overwhelming victory. <\/p>\n
Langford Fleming commended Palencia on her campaign. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt takes a lot of courage,\u201d she said. \u201cI applaud anyone who runs for office.\u201d<\/p>\n
Langford Fleming, a former elementary school teacher in the School District of Lee County, currently works as an athletic trainer in addition to her $54,000 job on the school board.<\/p>\n
Langford Fleming said she knocked on more than 3,000 doors. <\/p>\n
\u201cI worked really hard,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s the honor of a lifetime.\u201d<\/p>\n
Palencia, a substitute teacher in the School District of Lee County, had run a campaign challenging Langford Fleming and the school board\u2019s management of the district\u2019s finances during a time of fiscal crisis in which the district reported an operating deficit of more than $90 million earlier this year. The Estero resident also criticized the district\u2019s record on student achievement. Hundreds of staff members lost their jobs in recent months.<\/p>\n
Langford Fleming, of Fort Myers, had touted the district\u2019s cuts to the administration and staff in dealing with the budget crisis, while focusing on student achievement.<\/p>\n
Langford Fleming said her goal is for the school district to have a 100% graduation rate and that all students will be able to read at grade level. <\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t wait to see what happens four years from now,\u201d Langford Fleming said.<\/p>\n
District 4 <\/p>\n
In the District 4 race, incumbent School Board Member Debbie Jordan fought to hold onto her seat against three challengers, Carl W. Baxter, Tony Beougher and Gisele \u201cGigi\u201d Gentile. With no candidate winning a majority vote of 50% plus one, the top two vote-getters advance to the general election to face each other.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
On Nov. 3, Jordan and Beougher will vie for the seat. Jordan won 7,823 votes \u2014 39.28% of the total ballots cast \u2014 and Beougher earned 6,277 votes \u2014 31.52%. Gentile came in in third place scoring 3,399 votes \u2014 17.07%, while Baxter received 2,416 votes \u2014 12.13% \u2014 for last place.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am grateful beyond words,\u201d Jordan said of moving forward to the general election, adding that she felt she would and the results of the election proved that the community wants her to continue on.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m going to do everything that I can to hold onto my seat because I do believe that I\u2019m the person that needs to be here to be the voice for the community,\u201d she said. \u201cNot just for certain segments, but for the entire community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jordan plans to stick with her platform heading into November.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s simple \u2014 being present, making sure that the budget reflects what we\u2019re doing,\u201d she said. \u201cOur schools are so important, our children are so important.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to concentrate on that, not on the politics,\u201d Jordan added. \u201cThis is a nonpartisan seat and I want to make sure it remains that way because we represent everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n
She pointed out that without the support of the community and voters, she would not be here.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo I am just so thankful for them,\u201d Jordan said. \u201cI am very grateful for the support that has been given to me and the trust that has been bestowed upon me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI will continue to work toward that and will continue to be transparent in what I do,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
Also headed to the general election, Beougher shared that he is excited.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis was, obviously, the first step,\u201d he said. \u201cWe had to make it through a crowded primary \u2014 it made it interesting.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m looking forward to a one-on-one general election now,\u201d Beougher added.<\/p>\n
He intends to stay on track with his platform moving toward November.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think I\u2019m right for the school district,\u201d Beougher said. \u201cI\u2019m a highly qualified candidate. I think my business experience will help with the district\u2019s budget situation.\u201d<\/p>\n
He noted that he and his wife were in tears on election day seeing all of their supporters and friends waving signs and encouraging voters at the polling sites.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m just so thankful for all of the of supporters, all of the volunteers,\u201d Beougher said. \u201cWe had great support.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added that like him, his team is now focused on the general election.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m encouraged by it,\u201d Beougher said. \u201cThat really gives me that extra boost of energy.\u201d<\/p>\n
On not moving forward, Baxter explained that the voters decided so he is pleased with the results.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt this point, may the best individual win \u2014 I will support either candidate that\u2019s going to do what\u2019s best for the children,\u201d he said, noting that he does have one concern with Jordan and Beougher.<\/p>\n
\u201cAre they ready for the challenge that\u2019s going to be ahead of them for this upcoming season? Because it\u2019s about our children,\u201d Baxter said, also citing parents and staff. \u201cThat was part of my platform.\u201d<\/p>\n
He voiced appreciation for those who supported him.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m grateful for all of my support team. We had a great team,\u201d Baxter said, adding that his opponents reached out after the election results came in and thanked him for running an honest campaign. \u201cI\u2019m going to move forward in a positive way.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gentile could not be reached for comment as of press time.<\/p>\n
A four-year term from 2026-30, the District 4 seat includes part of Cape Coral, North Fort Myers and part of Fort Myers. Only voters in the district could cast a ballot in the race.<\/p>\n
District 5 <\/p>\n
For the District 5 race, incumbent School Board Member Armor Persons battled to retain his seat against two challengers, Crystal Johnson and Carline Saintilus. With no candidate winning a majority vote of 50% plus one, the top two vote-getters advance to the general election to face one another.<\/p>\n
![\"article](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/SCHOOL-BOARD-DIST-5-General-Election-420x300.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
On Nov. 3, Persons and Johnson will vie for the seat. Persons won 7,337 votes \u2014 43.38% of the total ballots cast \u2014 and Johnson earned 5,315 votes \u2014 31.42%. Saintilus scored 4,263 votes \u2014 25.20% \u2014 for last place.<\/p>\n
A four-year term from 2026-30, the District 5 seat includes the northeastern region, like Lehigh Acres, Alva, Buckingham and Olga, and the outer northeastern section of Fort Myers. Only voters in the district could cast a ballot in the race.<\/p>\n
All election results are unofficial until certified.<\/p>\n
\u2014\u00a0Nathan Mayberg contributed to this report.<\/p>\n