District 1 board member Erin Skipper is seeking re-election in this non-partisan race. She faces one challenger, Lara Libretto. This race will appear on the August primary ballot for all voters in the county. As there are only two candidates in the race, it will be decided in the August election.
News4JAX sent a questionnaire to each candidate asking about their background and their views on several issues. Scroll down to read the responses of those seeking your vote in their own words.
Recommended Videos
Note: Responses are sorted alphabetically and are presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4JAX staff.
| NON-PARTISAN CANDIDATES |
Lara Libretto
Occupation: Educator of 27 years
Age: (No answer)
Family: I am married to Charlie Libretto, we have four sons and three grandchildren.
Education: Bachelor Degree from UNF in Elementary Education and a Masters of Educational Leadership from American College of Education
Political experience: (No answer)
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
First, I am passionate about public education and academic excellence. Every child deserves access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success, whether they choose college, career and technical education, military service, or the workforce. I believe we must maintain high academic standards while providing the support students and teachers need to achieve them.
Second, I am passionate about school safety and student well-being. Safe schools are the foundation for learning. That includes strong campus security, School Resource Officers who build positive relationships with students, and a commitment to prevention through mental health services, counseling, and positive school culture.
Third, I am passionate about transparency and accountability in public education. Parents are their children’s first teachers and deserve to be true partners in education. That means open communication, curriculum clarity, and ensuring there are no surprises. It also means being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars by carefully reviewing expenditures and making decisions that are transparent and fiscally responsible.
Finally, I am passionate about supporting teachers and developing future leaders. After 27 years in education, I know that great schools are built by great educators. When we recruit, retain, and support high-quality teachers and school leaders, students benefit.
Everything I care about comes back to one question: Will this help students succeed? If the answer is yes, then it’s worth pursuing.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
I bring both professional experience and personal investment in Clay County Schools.
For 27 years, I have served our district as a teacher, instructional leader, assistant principal, and now as a support facilitator. I’ve worked with students of all abilities, supported teachers, partnered with parents, managed school budgets, and helped implement district initiatives. I understand how School Board decisions affect classrooms because I have lived those decisions every day.
Just as importantly, I have experienced Clay County Schools as a student and as a parent. My four siblings and I attended Clay County schools. I graduated from Middleburg High School, and my husband and I raised our four sons here, all of whom graduated from Clay County schools. My commitment isn’t temporary—this is my home, and I have a lifelong investment in the success of our schools.
I also believe effective leadership starts with listening. I won’t come to the board with predetermined answers or personal agendas. I will listen to parents, teachers, students, staff, and community members, study the facts, ask thoughtful questions, and make decisions based on what is best for students and our community.
My goal is not simply to serve on the School Board—it is to help build trust between our schools and our community. I believe my experience, my relationships, and my understanding of public education uniquely position me to do that.
I am asking for your vote because I have the experience to lead, the integrity to serve, and the commitment to keep students at the center of every decision.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
I would hope to be remembered for leaving our schools stronger than I found them--academically stronger, safer, more transparent, and more connected to parents and the community.
Campaign website: (None given)
Campaign social media: Facebook
Erin Skipper
Occupation: Clay County School Board Member District 1
Registered Nurse
Age: 36
Family: Married my high school sweetheart and Navy veteran, Joshua Skipper. I have two little girls, Kannyn and Ansleigh.
Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Political experience: School Board
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
Education is changing faster than ever. The classroom of yesterday is not the classroom of today, and it certainly won’t be the classroom of tomorrow. Florida continues to lead the nation with new education policies, expanded school choice, technology, and higher expectations for student achievement. Change can be challenging, but it is not something to fear, it is something to lead.
Our district’s greatest challenge is navigating that change while keeping students at the center of every decision. We must continue recruiting and retaining great teachers, maintaining safe schools, preparing students for an evolving workforce, and being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.
While others are quick to declare a crisis, I believe leadership is measured by the ability to bring solutions. My record demonstrates that I don’t simply identify problems, I work collaboratively to solve them. Strong leadership means embracing change, listening to our community, making informed decisions, and ensuring Clay County Schools remain a place where every student has the opportunity to succeed.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
I bring a proven record of leadership, accountability, and delivering results. As the Chair, I have worked to strengthen parental rights, improve transparency, support our teachers, and prioritize the safety and success of every student. Clay County is an A rated district, highest academic success in Clay County history, and highest graduation rates in Clay County history.
I understand that education is constantly evolving, and I believe change is an opportunity, not a crisis when guided by strong, principled leadership.
My perspective as a registered nurse, mother, and community leader allows me to evaluate decisions through the lens of safety, fiscal responsibility, and what is best for children. I believe in listening to parents, respecting our educators, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.
Most importantly, I bring solutions. While some focus on problems, I focus on building relationships, making data informed decisions, and preparing students for success in an ever changing world. My commitment is to keep students first, empower parents, support our employees, and continue moving our district forward with integrity and accountability.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
I wanna be remembered as the leader who put students first, protected parental rights, strengthen school safety, and led with integrity. Above all, I want my legacy to be leaving our schools stronger, safer, and better prepared for future generations.
Campaign website: Voteskipper.com
Campaign social media: Facebook