Three File for Alachua County Seats as Incumbent Makes Surprise Exit
School Board Elections Upcoming
School Board Shake-Up: Three File for Alachua County Seats as Incumbent Makes Surprise Exit
GAINESVILLE — The 2026 Alachua County School Board election is shaping up to be anything but predictable, with three candidates officially filing to run and one incumbent announcing a dramatic career pivot.
Tina Certain, the controversial District 1 board member who has clashed repeatedly with state education officials, will not seek reelection to her school board seat. Instead, she’s jumping into an already crowded race for Alachua County Commission District 2, leaving her educational post behind.
The New Landscape
The filing updates reveal a shifting political terrain:
• District 1: Open seat (Tina Certain not seeking reelection)
• District 3: Sarah Rockwell running for reelection
• District 5: Two candidates vying to replace Janine Plavac
District 5 Draws Crowd
The hottest contest appears to be District 5, where both Annie Muscato and Jancie Vinson have filed to run. The seat is currently held by Janine Plavac, who was appointed to fill a vacancy but hasn’t filed to retain the position permanently.
Rockwell Stays Put
Sarah Rockwell, Ph.D., who chairs the school board, is bucking the trend of departures. She’s filed for reelection to her District 3 seat, positioning herself as the steady hand during turbulent times for the district.
The One Who Got Away
The race lost some potential drama when Pamela Marshall-Koons pulled out of challenging Rockwell. The mental health advocate and 2024 sheriff candidate withdrew December 22, citing “prayer and careful consideration” in her official withdrawal notice.
Background Noise
These filings come against a backdrop of recent controversies. Both Certain and Rockwell faced state-level criticism over social media comments regarding prominent conservatives’ deaths, drawing rebukes from Florida’s education commissioner.
The board has also grappled with superintendent turnover, budget pressures, and ongoing tensions between local control and state oversight.
What This Means
With Certain’s departure, voters will see at least one fresh face on the five-member board. The District 5 race guarantees another newcomer, while Rockwell’s reelection bid offers continuity.
The real question: Will more candidates jump in before qualifying ends? In Alachua County politics, early filings often prompt additional contenders to emerge.
For a school district navigating leadership changes and political headwinds, these elections could determine whether the board moves in a new direction or maintains its current trajectory.
The countdown to election day begins.