Lake County elects first Black school board member

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Lake County Schools is making history this week, after electing its first Black school board member.

The unofficial count shows Mollie Cunningham has won more that 57% of the vote to become board member-elect.

Cunningham will be a part of District 4 which includes schools in Mount Dora and Tavares.

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Cunningham was a teacher, a dean, assistant principal and principal before she retired. She says she is proud be to be the first Black woman elected to the Lake County School Board.

When asked if her race had an impact on the election, Cunningham said, “You know, I’m not sure about that. I think I had really good support from people in all races and both political parties.”

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Cunningham says she wants to represent teachers fighting for higher pay and will be a vocal supporter, since the board is not involved in negotiations.

Cunningham states the pandemic is the focus and going forward the focus is to make sure staff, student and families are safe.

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“I think that people in the district who may have a concern that people of color don’t always have their thoughts or their desires at the table, I think now they will feel like they’ll have someone that not only can say what it is but someone who has firsthand knowledge and truly understands it because you know, I’m one of them,” Cunningham said.

Cunningham’s swearing in is scheduled for November 17th.

Cox Media Group