Concerning the race for Leon County Superintendent of Schools:

There is not a Republican challenger in this race, and I believe that as a Republican we have a duty to elect the most qualified candidate.   Jackie Pons is a proven leader with a solid, fiscally responsible track record.   Jackie has led Leon County Schools to become one of the” Highest Performing” districts in the state while navigating the largest budget cuts in recent history.   In just the past 4 years LCS has lost roughly $111 million in combined funding sources.

In his focus to keep quality teachers in the classroom, he looked for other ways to save money.  He is now replacing an aging diesel school bus fleet with buses that run on much cleaner compressed natural gas (CNG).   These CNG buses will save over $300,000 each year in fuel costs.   Additionally, Jackie has instituted a very aggressive energy savings policy that has saved the tax payer $4.4 million since he was first elected.   Not only does this save money but it is better for our children’s future.

For these reasons, I believe Republicans should vote for Jackie Pons.