Why It Matters
The Palm Beach County School Board District 4 race has drawn four candidates and significant organizational backing as voters prepare to fill a seat left vacant by a commissioner pursuing higher office. The contest will help determine education policy direction for one of Florida’s largest school districts.
Former Boynton Beach Commissioner Christina Romelus gained support from the Palm Beach-Treasure Coast AFL-CIO, a labor coalition representing workers across five counties in southeast Florida. The organization’s endorsement adds institutional weight to her campaign in the nonpartisan contest.
What Happened
The AFL-CIO chapter announced its backing of Romelus for the open School Board seat. Pat Emmert, the organization’s president, pointed to Romelus’ background in education and government service as factors in the decision.
Romelus previously served on the Boynton Beach City Commission starting in 2016, when she became the youngest person elected to that body, and later held the vice mayor position. She taught science courses at Palm Beach State College for six years and now operates a government affairs consulting firm.
By the Numbers
Romelus is 37 years old and lives in Boynton Beach with her husband and two children. The AFL-CIO coalition represents workers across Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties. She is one of four candidates seeking the District 4 position.
Primary voting takes place August 18, with a general election scheduled for November 3. Because school board races are nonpartisan, all voters can participate in the primary regardless of party registration.
The Field
Three other candidates are competing for the seat: Tiffany Bryant, a parent and teacher’s spouse; Anthony Hamlet, formerly superintendent of Pittsburgh Public Schools; and Daniel Zapata, a private school administrator.
The seat is currently held by Erica Whitfield, who is leaving the board to run for county commission. Several elected officials have endorsed Romelus, including U.S. Representative Lois Frankel, state legislative leaders, county commissioners, and municipal office holders.
What’s Next
Candidates will campaign through the summer ahead of the August primary. Depending on primary results, the race may advance to a November runoff between the top two vote-getters. The winner will join the governing body overseeing Palm Beach County’s public school system.