Kay Abbitt Steps Down from School Board Role
Alachua County School Board member Kay Abbitt announced her resignation on Tuesday, effective immediately, as stated in a district news release. Abbitt elected to the District 5 seat in 2022, cited her temporary, unpaid role as the interim director of Boulware Springs Charter School as the primary reason for stepping down. In her resignation letter addressed to Governor Ron DeSantis, Abbitt acknowledged the potential for a conflict of interest due to her interim leadership at the school.
“I believe serving as the interim director may represent a conflict of interest,” Abbitt wrote, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community during her time on the board. Abbitt’s term was set to run through 2026, leaving a significant vacancy to be filled by the governor under state statute.
Community and Leadership Respond
Interim Superintendent Kamela Patton expressed understanding of Abbitt’s decision while highlighting her contributions to the board. “I enjoyed working with Ms. Abbitt and certainly understand her reasons for not continuing her work as a board member,” said Patton in the release. She also emphasized the district’s continued focus on providing high-quality education and expressed eagerness to work with Abbitt’s replacement.
Abbitt’s leadership was widely recognized during her tenure. However, her ongoing association with Boulware Springs Charter School, which she co-founded with her daughter Megan Lane in 2013, became central to her resignation. The school has been an integral part of her career, and its recent challenges, including the sudden passing of its director in November, prompted her to take on the interim role temporarily.
Next Steps for Alachua County School Board
With Abbitt’s resignation, the responsibility of appointing a new member now lies with Governor Ron DeSantis. The replacement will serve out the remainder of Abbitt’s term, which extends through 2026. The district and its leadership remain committed to ensuring a seamless transition and maintaining its educational mission.
Abbitt’s departure marks a significant shift for the Alachua County School Board, leaving a legacy of dedication both in her work as a board member and in her role as a founder of Boulware Springs Charter School. While her resignation highlights the complexities of balancing public service and personal commitments, the board looks forward to continuing its work in providing exceptional education for the students of Alachua County.
