CHIPLEY, Fla. — Voters in Washington County School Board District 1 will choose between incumbent Cynthia “Cindy” Johnson Brown and challenger Sabrina Woods in the 2026 election, a race that will determine who represents students, families, educators and taxpayers in decisions shaping the future of local education.
The race carries importance for voters because school board members make decisions that directly affect students and families, including academic programs, district policies, budgeting priorities, school safety initiatives and resources available to teachers and classrooms. The District 1 representative will help guide decisions affecting Washington County students while balancing the needs of parents, educators and community members.
For families throughout Washington County, school board elections provide an opportunity to have a direct voice in the direction of their local education system. Decisions made by elected board members can influence the programs students have access to, the support provided to teachers and the resources available across schools.
The Washington County School District serves students throughout rural Northwest Florida, educational programs that serve students from kindergarten through 12th grade, as well as additional opportunities focused on career and technical education.
The district faces challenges common among rural school systems, including supporting student achievement, preparing students for future career opportunities, retaining qualified educators and ensuring families have access to educational resources. These issues remain important considerations for voters deciding which candidate they believe is prepared to represent District 1.
The Washington County School Board District 1 race features two nonpartisan candidates: Brown and Woods. According to the Washington County Supervisor of Elections, both candidates are officially qualified for the 2026 election. Campaign finance records from the Washington County Supervisor of Elections also show reported contributions and expenditures from both candidates during the election cycle.
Brown, who was elected to the Washington County School Board in 2022, is seeking reelection to continue representing District 1. Before serving on the board, Brown built a career in education as a speech-language pathologist with more than 26 years of experience working with students and families.
Brown said her background in education has shaped her understanding of student needs, early intervention and family involvement. She said one of her priorities is ensuring students have opportunities available to them after graduation based on their individual goals and future.
“I believe students should have options when they graduate: college, technical education, military service, entrepreneurship or the workforce,” Brown said.
Brown also believes students have different strengths, interests and career goals, and she mentioned Washington County schools should provide the support and resources necessary for every student to succeed.
She said preparing students for the future requires recognizing that success can look different for everyone.
Meanwhile Woods, a lifelong Washington County resident and educator, is challenging Brown for the District 1 seat.
Woods attended Washington County schools and later returned to the district as an educator. She has more than 15 years of experience in Florida public education, including nine years teaching science at Vernon High School.
Woods believes her experience as both a teacher and parent has influenced her decision to run for school board. She said her connection to the community has given her insight into the needs of students, families and educators.
Woods told me her goal is to help create schools where students, teachers and families feel supported.
“I am running for the Washington County School Board to ensure our schools remain places where students thrive, teachers are respected, and families feel confident in the future we are building together,” Woods said.
Woods said supporting educators and retaining experienced teachers is essential to improving student success. She believes teachers play an important role in shaping students’ futures and believes the district should continue creating an environment where educators feel valued and supported.
While both candidates have different backgrounds and experiences, their campaigns focus on issues that affect students, families and educators throughout Washington County. Voters will consider each candidate’s experience, priorities and vision for addressing the needs of local schools.
One Kate M. Smith Elementary School parent, who asked to remain anonymous to protect her family’s privacy, said school board decisions directly impact families throughout the district.
“As a parent, I want whoever is elected to make decisions that put students first. I want my child to have a safe learning environment, quality teachers and opportunities to succeed,” they said.
The parent told me they hope the next school board member for District 1 will continue listening to families, supporting educators, and making decisions that strengthen educational opportunities for students across Washington County.
The Washington County School Board oversees decisions involving district policies, academic programs, budgeting and initiatives that affect students, teachers and families throughout the county.
As election day approaches, District 1 voters will decide which candidate they believe is prepared to represent their community and help guide the future of public education in Washington County.
Primary Election Day in Washington County is set for Aug. 18.
Kendall Beer is a student journalist representing Florida A&M University’s School of Journalism & Graphic Communication as part of the Florida Elections Reporting Partnership. You can reach her at kendallelise1.beer@famu.edu.
This story was produced in partnership with nonpartisan news organizations and universities across the state working to provide information about the 2026 elections. Learn more about the Florida Elections Reporting Partnership at floridaelections.org.
