Sarasota public school advocates stage victory lap – and gird for coming battles

The ‘Public School Renaissance Rally’ was headlined by David Jolly, who happens to run for Florida governor.

By Ed James III

Original Air Date: October 7, 2026

Host: Following a local school board election that shifted the board’s majority with unexpected clarity,  public education advocates gathered this weekend in Sarasota for a victory lap – and to rally elected officials and activists for coming battles. The event at a local church, described by organizers as a “Public School Renaissance Rally”, was headlined by David Jolly, who happens to run for Florida governor. But School Board Member Tom Edwards, a driving force behind the event alongside Support Our Schools, Fair Governance Florida and SEE Alliance, put the focus on the future of public schools. Jolly tagged along. WSLR reporter Ed James III brings us this report.

The event, headlined by David Jolly, featured school board members and candidates. | Photos by Tamara Solum

Ed James III: It was a packed house at Harvest House on 17th Street in Sarasota. Students, current and retired educators, grassroots activists, and community members filled the church to capacity. On stage: Current school board members Tom Edwards and Liz Barker, newly elected board members Beth Mayberry and Megan Tennimon, and District 1 candidate Jimmy Glover. The signal: Unity to revive public schools.

Prior to the main program, community members told WLSR News why they showed up on a Saturday morning. Bonita Chambers, a local voter and former census worker, shared her perspective.

Bonita Chambers: It’s important to let people know they’re not alone here in Sarasota County. I’ve already voted… I have a daughter-in-law who was a teacher, no longer a teacher, and I still have grandkids here. Right now, it’s not about Republican versus Democrat anymore. It’s about democracy versus fascism. That’s exactly what it’s come down to. And if we don’t speak now, we may not get another chance.

EJ: Newly elected school board member Beth Mayberry emphasized that local victories must translate into sustainable support and state funding for local classrooms.

Beth Mayberry: In order to continue the excellence we’ve seen in our community and our community schools, we really need to make sure we get the funding that our school students deserve. I’m excited for the idea that maybe, finally, after so many years, our Florida future citizens are going to get the education they need, and it’s going to be truly funded by the state.

EJ: Opening the formal program, school board member Tom Edwards celebrated the grassroots effort that reshaped the local school board, while warning of broader legislative challenges ahead, including state voucher expansions.

Tom Edwards: Right here in Sarasota County, a grassroots coalition was built from the ground up by students, by teachers, by parents, by retired educators, and concerned community members who believed public education was worth protecting. Together, you delivered a new direction for Sarasota. Today, we have a board that’s focused on students first. But a local Renaissance is important—a statewide Renaissance is essential.

EJ: Taking the podium to rouse the room, District 1 candidate Jimmy Glover called on Sarasota to lead the state by example.

Jimmy Glover: We flipped the school board, and it was an amazing time. But you know what? We’re about to turn this moment into a movement. Right now, all eyes are on Sarasota… because as Sarasota goes, the state goes! So without further ado, I’m going to announce the featured speaker…

EJ: The speaker Jimmy Glover introduced was David Jolly, the Democratic nominee for Florida Governor. Addressing a 10-year vision for Florida public education, Jolly laid out key priorities — including competitive teacher pay, protecting classroom curriculum, and expanding student support services.

David Jolly: Let teachers teach, bring back the books, and bring back all of history. Every child in the state of Florida should know their history—it doesn’t shame us to know our history, it strengthens us to know our history. For over a year, I’ve gone around the state talking about a 10-year Renaissance in public education. Let’s move our teachers into the top half nationally, aim for a 30% pay raise, invest in food security, mental health counseling, and academic counseling. What is happening across the state of Florida is a people rising up, like you did here in Sarasota.

EJ: Following Jolly’s address, the focus returned to student leadership and grassroots action. Kennedy Cole, student body president of Booker High School, addressed the crowd with a call to action beyond election day.

Kennedy Cole

Kennedy Cole: We won our schools back by building community and building understanding outside of just politics, and we must keep doing that hard work. We’ve all seen what happens when we vote, but it’s time to do more. In order to win this fight, we need you to volunteer at a PE class, not just go to a polling place. We need you to show up at a PTO meeting, not just canvas, and we need you to attend a school play. Show up at football games, show up at fundraisers, show up at the Florida State Legislature. Because this is not simply political—it’s about ensuring public education remains financially stable for years to come.

For WSLR 96.5 FM News, I’m Ed James III.

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