Karen Barber, director of federal programs for Santa Rosa County District Schools, today pre-filed in the race to replace current Superintendent Tim Wyrosdick, who is not seeking re-election. She joins fellow district administrators David Gunter and Michael Thorpe in the race.
Barber has 33 years of educational experience, with 23 years working for Santa Rosa County District Schools. Prior to her current position she was employed with the district as Principal at Chumuckla Elementary School; Assistant Principal at Holley-Navarre Middle School, East Milton Elementary School, and Gulf Breeze Middle School; Administrator for the district’s Head Start pre-kindergarten program; and a teacher at Navarre High School.
Gunter, the district’s director for labor relations and compliance, was the first to enter the race in August 2018. He’s worked for the district for 18 years. Prior to his current position he was employed with the district as: Director of Middle Schools; Principal and Assistant Principal at King Middle School; Dean of Students at Hobbs Middle School; and a teacher at Woodlawn Beach Middle School.
Thorpe, director of professional learning and technology, pre-filed in March 2019. He’s worked for the district for 28 years. Prior to his current positions he was employed with the district as: Principal and Assistant Principal at Milton High School; Dean at Milton High School; and a teacher at Milton High School and Holley-Navarre Middle School.
The non-partisan race will be decided during the November 3, 2020 general election.
Other school board races on the ballot will include:
School Board District 2: incumbent Buddy Hinote will face off against challenger Elizabeth Hewey;
School Board District 4: incumbent Jennifer Granse is not seeking re-election; so far Felicia Northcutt is the sole candidate pre-filed in the race.
