Former official wants to rejoin Manatee School Board. He has competition in District 3

A political newcomer will challenge a former Manatee County School Board member in the School Board’s District 3 race in the general election.

School Board Member Mary Foreman has represented District 3, which includes parts of Palmetto, Bradenton and Cortez, since 2020. She is not seeking reelection in November.

Jon Lynch, a business owner and political newcomer, said he entered the race to be a voice for parents. Charlie Kennedy, a teacher and former School Board member, said he brings eight years of experience to the job.

“Mostly for not just my two daughters in the school system, but everybody else’s kids,” Lynch said. “I thought it’d be good to have a parent’s voice because I think after (School Board Chairman Chad Choate’s) daughter graduates, I’ll be the only parent on the board.”

“The board is losing its two most experienced members,” Kennedy said, referring to School Board Member Gina Messenger, who is not seeking re-election, and Foreman. “Being an experienced teacher in the district and an experienced member on the school board, I thought I had something to offer.”

When she announced that she would not seek a second term earlier this year, Foreman told the Bradenton Herald that she endorsed Kennedy to take her spot on the board, calling him the “perfect fit.”

“Charlie’s commitment to the well-being of students, teachers, and staff is unwavering, earning him respect throughout the school district and the wider community,” Foreman said at the time. “As I prepare to step down from the District 3 seat, I hope Manatee County voters cast their ballots for Charlie.”

Lynch vs. Kennedy for School Board

Lynch grew up in Bradenton and owns Cortez Cove Marina. The business owner criticized Kennedy’s past experience on the School Board and said his business experience made him a better candidate.

“He ignored us as parents. He ignored us as taxpayers,” Lynch said. “I wouldn’t be successful in my career if I didn’t have the ability to listen to people and learn from people.”

Kennedy has been an educator for 20 years and teaches P.E. at Daughtrey Elementary School. He said his education and government experience set him apart in the race.

“I know the schools,” Kennedy said. “I know hundreds of people through the district. I know the history of the district. I know the issues we’ve struggled with before and the successes we’ve had before.”

3 biggest challenges

Lynch said he aims to keep teacher pay competitive, expand vocational programs and avoid controversy.

“We do a pretty good job of driving students toward trades, but if we could build upon that, I would like to do that, because my industry is struggling for young talent,” Lynch said. “We’re not the only ones. A lot of my friends are in different trades, whether it’s air conditioning or plumbing. There’s not a lot of young guys that are aware you can make a really good living doing it.”

Kennedy said he plans to improve the district’s “B” grade, pay attention to school construction and maintain the district’s financial health.

“I think the district has done a great job managing growth,” Kennedy said. “That’s probably the biggest thing we need to stay on top of because the county does continue to grow so fast, especially in Palmetto and Parrish. We build and open a school, and within two years, it’s over capacity in those areas.”

Records show that Lynch has raised nearly $40,000 in campaign funds, while Kennedy has raised $20,000.

For more information about Lynch, go to www.VoteJonLynch.com. For more information about Kennedy, go to www.D3Kennedy.com.

The school board race is nonpartisan and open to Manatee County voters who live within District 3. The winner will serve a four-year term on the school board.