As Gadsden County voters prepare to elect a representative for the School Board District 4 seat, incumbent Charlie D. Frost Sr. and challenger Jamel L. David say they are committed to improving educational opportunities for students. While both candidates emphasize student success, their backgrounds and priorities offer voters different perspectives on the future of the district.
School board members are responsible for setting district policy, approving budgets and working with the superintendent, whose decisions affect students, teachers and families across Gadsden County.
This year's election decisions come as Gadsden continues to address issues including school funding, student achievement, teacher support and parent engagement.
Frost, the incumbent District 4 school board member, is seeking another term. As a lifelong Gadsden County resident, trucking company owner and former Parent Teacher Organization president, Frost said his decision to run for re-election came from wanting to move beyond advocating for change and into a position where he could help make decisions.
"I was a PTA president at the school for years," Frost said. "We were trying to get some things done, but we could not make the final decisions. I decided to run because [on the school board] I could really make those decisions."
David, a Quincy native and graduate of East Gadsden High School, said his campaign is rooted in his personal experiences growing up in the county and his career in education.
After graduating with a master’s in education leadership from Florida A&M University, David’s career includes stints as a teacher, academic success coach, mentor, and instructional leader.
"I am a product of this community," David said. "Gadsden County helped shape me, and I believe that returning home also came with a responsibility to serve."
While both say students are their top priority, they identify different challenges facing the district.
Frost believes the district's greatest obstacle is funding. He pointed to state budget reductions and the financial responsibilities public school districts have compared with charter and private schools.
"Our biggest thing is having money," Frost said. "Whatever the state gives us, we have to work with."
David, however, said the district's biggest challenge extends beyond money.
"The greatest challenge facing Gadsden County schools is not a lack of intelligence, ability or potential among our students," David said. "The larger challenge is building a consistent and sustainable system in which high expectations, strong instruction, equitable resources, accountability and community trust are present in every school."
If elected, David said his priorities would include improving student achievement through early literacy initiatives, strengthening teacher recruitment and retention, and rebuilding trust between the district and the community.
"We must identify learning gaps early and respond before students become discouraged or disconnected," David said.
Meanwhile, Frost said if chosen by voters for another term on the board, his priorities would include securing additional funding, maintaining school safety, and improving communication with the community.
"There are a lot of priorities," Frost said. "But those are some of them."
Both candidates also offered different perspectives on improving student achievement.
David advocated for evidence-based literacy instruction, tutoring, targeted interventions, and expanded opportunities that prepare students for college, careers and technical education.
Meanwhile, Frost emphasized that while the school board establishes policy, the superintendent is responsible for the district's day-to-day academic operations.
"Our job is strictly to make sure the policy is being abided by," Frost said. "The academic part actually goes through the superintendent and his staff."
Both candidates agree parents play an important role in education.
Frost encouraged Gadsden County parents to remain actively involved throughout the school year by monitoring their child’s grades, communicating with schools, and supporting learning at home for their children.
"The parents' responsibility is to know where their students are and what they're doing," Frost said.
David described parents and caregivers as essential partners in the educational process. He added the district should make engagement more accessible through in-person meetings, virtual opportunities, workshops, and improved communication.
"Schools and families may not always agree on every issue, but there should always be mutual respect and a shared commitment to the success of the child,” David said.
When asked what accomplishment would define a successful term, Frost said securing funding for a new K-8 school that’s expected to serve students in District 4.
"I want to make sure our kids have a school just like anybody else in another county," he said.
Meanwhile, David said success would be measured by whether students are learning, teachers feel supported, families are engaged, and the district remains focused on preparing students for future opportunities.
"I’m running to offer focused, prepared, and student-centered leadership," David said. "This campaign is about putting students first, not merely as a campaign statement, but as the standard by which every decision should be evaluated."
Florida’s primary Election Day is set for Aug. 18.
April Hooks is a student journalist representing Florida A&M University’s School of Journalism & Graphic Communication in the Florida Elections Reporting Partnership. You can reach them at april1.hooks@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.
