BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Among the latest updates to Bradford’s 2024 election news, Superintendent of Schools Will Hartley is facing a challenge for his job.
Tracey S. Kendrick has filed to run to be the district’s next superintendent of schools. Kendrick, a Bradford High graduate, has been in the business teaching and leading schools for more than 28 years, according to her statement. Currently, she is principal of Brookview Elementary School in Duval County.
Hartley, coming to the end of his first term, has announced he is running again. Both candidates are running as Republicans.
Starke Commissioner Shannon Smith made it official by filing his paperwork to run for county commission in District 1 against Carolyn Spooner. Smith is a Republican and Spooner a Democrat. Spooner, a former city commissioner, is currently chairing the county commission.
The third and final race is for the District 4 school board seat currently held by Candace Osteen. Osteen is running for reelection and now has two challengers — Dana Reddish Bell and Mitchell Gunter. School board races are nonpartisan.
Julie Johnson has also filed to run for school board in District 3 where she would replace Cheryl Canova, who is retiring from office. So far, she is unopposed, as are county commission incumbents Chris Dougherty in county District 3 and Diane Andrews in District 5.
All the county’s constitutional officers are seeking reelection and are also unopposed: Sheriff Gordon Smith, Clerk of Court Denny Thompson, Property Appraiser Kenny Clark, Tax Collector Teresa Phillips and Supervisor of Elections Amanda Seyfang.
Qualifying week is June 10-14. Candidates may submit announcements of their intention to run for office to the Telegraph along with a photograph through Monday, June 17, by emailing [email protected]. There is a $50 charge, and no exceptions will be made to the deadline. Payment must be made prior to publication.
