As part of our commitment to providing you with what you need to make an informed decision in the 2026 elections, News 6 joined with the News Collaborative of Central Florida to present the Voting Central Florida 2026 Voter’s Guide.
Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.
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[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]
Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.
However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.
Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.
Volusia County School Board District 1
The Volusia County School Board has five districts. These are nonpartisan races, so they are open to all voters.
Since there are three candidates in the race, the top vote-getter must get more than 50% of the vote (50%+1) in order to win outright. Otherwise, the top two candidates will go to a runoff in November.
School Board District 1 encompasses voters in the western part of the county. You can see a map of the area HERE.
The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.
Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.
News 6 compiled the candidate responses for Volusia County School Board District 1, emailing and calling the candidates over several weeks. Responses were edited for spelling and grammar, but otherwise left intact.
Brenda Beery
WEBSITE: https://www.brendabeery.org/
FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race: I have dedicated my career to serving our community. After spending 22 years as a teacher and assistant principal in Volusia County Schools, I understand the challenges our students, teachers, and families face because I’ve lived them. Since then, I’ve successfully built and managed a local business, giving me the financial and leadership experience needed to provide strong oversight of our school district. Our School Board needs leaders who bring both educational expertise and fiscal responsibility. I will work to put students first, support and retain great teachers, ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, and restore trust through transparency and accountability.
TOP ISSUES
What are the three most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them? Please put your responses in the sections below.
Problem Number 1 and Solution: Teacher Shortage. Solution: competitive pay, safer classrooms/schools, meaningful voice in decisions, and appreciation (not fear).
Problem Number 2 and Solution: Lack of Financial Responsibility. Solution: Compliance with all state financial oversight requirements, including internal auditor. Monthly financial reports and balance sheets to the board to be publicly reviewed. Spending decisions to be directly tied to measurable student outcomes.
Problem Number 3 and Solution: District staff growth outpacing classroom needs. Solution: Conduct a comprehensive review of district-level positions and responsibilities. Ensure every position directly supports student achievement and school operations. Eliminate duplication and unnecessary positions.
How would you handle district budget issues? I would want all board members to analyze the budget line by line with the focus on each expense and how it directly supports students, teachers, and school safety. If it doesn’t, then it needs to be addressed.
How should the district handle teacher shortages? The district has a teacher retention problem. We must offer competitive pay, safer classrooms/schools, consistent discipline and give teachers a voice.
Florida ranked last for academic growth in reading. How would you improve that? I would ask schools and the district to accurately and routinely share proficiencies. The district needs a clear, measurable plan to increase student success. Once we can evaluate and dissolve many of our district-level positions, we can then hire more qualified teachers and more assistance at the school level to implement the plan.
What changes, if any, would you make to school safety policies? School safety is about more than locked doors and security cameras. It’s also about protecting the classroom environment. Every teacher deserves a classroom where they can teach, and every student deserves the opportunity to learn without repeated disruptions caused by chronic behavioral issues. I support clear expectations, consistent consequences, early intervention, and ensuring students are placed in learning environments that best meet their needs while protecting the educational experience of everyone else. Safe schools are schools where teachers feel supported, students feel respected, and learning comes first.
How should book challenges and library removals be handled? All books should be age-appropriate. Parents deserve a voice in their children’s education, and educators deserve to have their professional expertise respected. Book challenges should follow a transparent, consistent process established by Florida law and implemented by Volusia County Schools. Decisions should be based on age appropriateness, educational value, and the law, not politics.
What outside organizations or endorsements are supporting your campaign? Volusia/Flagler Central Labor Council
If elected, what policy would you try to pass in your first year? I would like to explore a Financial Accountability Policy. The School Board shall receive a monthly financial accountability report that includes budget-to-actual expenditures, revenues, fund balances, staffing trends, major contracts, capital projects, and budget forecasts to support informed decision-making and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
Jaclyn Carrell
WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/p/Jaclyn-Carrell-for-School-Board-District-1-61572084624426/
Ms. Carrell did not respond to our questionnaire.
Jamie Haynes - Incumbent
WEBSITE: jamiemhaynesforschoolboard.com/
FOR INCUMBENTS: Why do you deserve to be re-elected in this race? FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I have earned the opportunity to continue serving because of my proven record, nearly four decades of experience in public education, and steadfast commitment to putting students first. Together, we have strengthened school safety, expanded career and technical education, improved academic achievement, restored classroom resources, and helped Volusia County Schools earn its first (and second!) A district rating since 2009. I am seeking one final term to build on that progress with the same experienced, thoughtful leadership our students, employees, families, and community deserve.
Top issues
What are the three most pressing problems happening in your district, and what do you suggest to solve them? Please put your responses in the sections below.
Problem Number 1 and Solution: Recruiting and Retaining High- Quality Employees. Problem: School districts across Florida continue to face challenges recruiting and retaining highly qualified teachers and support staff while managing limited financial resources. Solution: Continue advocating for increased education funding, support competitive compensation, invest in professional development, recognize employee accomplishments, and provide the resources employees need to be successful. Strong schools begin with outstanding educators and staff.
Problem Number 2 and Solution: Preparing Students for Life After Graduation. Problem: Students need multiple pathways to success that reflect today’s workforce, whether they choose college, military service, skilled trades, entrepreneurship, or direct employment.Solution: Continue expanding Career and Technical Education, industry certifications, apprenticeships, dual enrollment, and partnerships with local businesses to prepare every student for future success.
Problem Number 3 and Solution: Maintaining Academic Excellence While Supporting Every Student. Problem: Sustaining high academic achievement requires continuous improvement while meeting the diverse needs of every student.Solution: Continue investing in high-quality curriculum, classroom resources, school safety, technology, and student support services while using data to improve instruction and maintain Volusia County Schools’ consecutive A district ratings.
How would you handle district budget issues? Responsible budgeting begins with understanding the facts, following funding requirements, and keeping students at the center of every decision. I will continue supporting transparent budgets that invest in classrooms, employees, school safety, and student success while ensuring responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
How should the district handle teacher shortages? Recruiting and retaining outstanding teachers remains one of my highest priorities. We must continue supporting competitive compensation, professional growth, classroom resources, and a positive work environment so educators choose to build long-term careers in Volusia County Schools.
Florida ranked last for academic growth in reading. How would you improve that? While statewide rankings reflect broader trends, our responsibility is to ensure every Volusia County student has the opportunity to succeed. I will continue supporting evidence-based literacy instruction, early intervention, high-quality instructional materials, and teacher professional development to improve reading achievement and student growth.
What changes, if any, would you make to school safety policies? Volusia County Schools has established itself as a leader in school safety, consistently exceeding state requirements through strong partnerships with law enforcement, campus security enhancements, and comprehensive safety planning. My focus is not changing what works but continually evaluating and strengthening our practices as new challenges and technologies emerge.
How should book challenges and library removals be handled? Book challenges should be handled through the transparent review process established by Florida law and School Board policy. Parents, educators, and community members all deserve the opportunity to participate. Decisions should be based on the established review process, applicable law, age appropriateness, and educational value, not individual opinions or politics.
What outside organizations or endorsements are supporting your campaign? I am honored to have the support and endorsement of respected community leaders who share my commitment to providing the highest quality education for our students. My campaign has been endorsed by Senator Tom A. Wright, Sheriff Mike Chitwood, and Dr. John M. Hill. Their confidence in my leadership reflects our shared commitment to safe schools, academic excellence, fiscal responsibility, and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed.
If elected, what policy would you try to pass in your first year? Most of the policies that support student success are already in place. Rather than creating unnecessary new policies, I would continue reviewing and updating existing student, curriculum, and Career and Technical Education policies, as needed, to reflect changes in state law, educational best practices, workforce needs, and the evolving needs of our students.