Elected Or Appointed School Superintendent? It’s Headed Back To The Ballot

April 2, 2026

Should Escambia County have an elected or appointed superintendent? That question is headed back to the ballot for Escambia Voters to choose again.

The question will appear on the primary election ballot on August 18, 2026, as requested by the school board. The Escambia County School Board’s request for a countywide referendum ballot placement was approved 4-1 by the Escambia County Commission on Wednesday night. Procedure required the commission to approve the school board’s request.

Escambia County Commissioner Lumon May cast the dissenting vote. May’s opposition stemmed from the school board’s request for the primary ballot rather than the general election.

“That seems to be, you know, politically motivated to put it in the primary where we have the least amount of votes,” said May.

“I think that if there’s ever an opportunity to eliminate voter suppression, give every person an opportunity to vote, we should give it at the chance that allows for the most people to come out,” May said.

“Shall the superintendent of schools of Escambia County, Florida, be elected by the majority of the qualified electors of Escambia County, Florida?” will be the exact wording on the ballot — essentially will voters choose a school superintendent or will the office be appointed by the school board.

In November 2018, Escambia County citizens voted to move from an elected to an appointed superintendent.

“I feel very strongly about this,” District 5 School Board member Tom Harrell, who campaigned on a return to an elected superintendent, said when the school board approved the ballot request. “The county, I think, feels very strongly. There’s never anything wrong with letting the people decide. When you have a democracy, it’s all about people making decisions.”

“Deep down in my heart, having been here in this district for 60 years, that’s what the people of this district want,” Harrell added. “It’s the right time; it’s the right thing to do.”

Pictured: Current Escambia County School Superintendent Keith Leonard was appointed by the school board.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under TOP STORIES