Challengers join Marion County School Board races
The Marion County School Board meets in Ocala on May 13, 2025. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]
Four newcomers have filed as challengers in the 2026 Marion County School Board election, running for Districts 3, 4 and 5. The nonpartisan races will be decided in the Aug. 18, 2026, primary and Nov. 3 general elections, with the qualifying deadline set for June 12.
These are four-year terms and board members receive an annual salary of $50,000, which equates to the salary of a starting teacher.
Incumbents Sarah James (District 5, current board chair) and Rev. Eric Cummings (District 3) are seeking re-election, while the District 4 seat remains open. The three most recently active challengers have begun raising funds, according to the latest reports on the Marion County Supervisor of Elections website (votemarion.gov).
Jeffrey “Jeff” Brewer (District 4)
A retired 20-year Marion County teacher who specialized in special education, Brewer taught at Lake Weir High School, Greenway Elementary, Howard Middle School, Oakcrest Elementary, Meadowbrook Academy and the Juvenile Detention Center. A Marion County resident for more than 25 years and the owner of Jeff’s Best LLC, he has been married to his wife, Lynda, for 22 years. The couple has four children, seven grandchildren and one adopted adult son.
An ordained minister since 2005, Brewer co-founded New Life Christian Center in New Hartford, Connecticut. In Marion County, he has served on three nonprofit boards, twice as president, and has volunteered as a tutor with The Rock Program and as part of “Dads on Duty” at Lake Weir High School.
Campaign finances show that, as of the Q1 2026 report, Brewer raised $1,803 in monetary contributions in the first quarter of 2026, after raising nothing in Q4 2025, and spent $672.21.
Earl “Buddy” Wyckoff (District 4)
A 30-year Marion County resident and veteran high-school math teacher with 38 years in the classroom, Wyckoff holds an Associate of Arts in computer science from the Community College of Baltimore County, a Bachelor of Science in business administration-management from Towson University and Florida DOE certifications in math for grades 5-9 and 6-12 and for gifted education.
According to Wyckoff, he has served 25 years as an adult leader with the Boy Scouts of America, 15 years in youth ministry with AWANA and 10 years with 4-H in Marion County. A graduate of the Marion County Citizens Academy and Leadership Corps IV with MCPS, Wyckoff describes himself as a Christian, husband, father of three and grandfather of two.
His platform focuses on “Helping Students to Succeed” through a forward-thinking five-year strategic plan, responsible taxation for infrastructure, transparent communication and greater public input. Campaign finances reflect that as of the Q1 2026 report, Wyckoff has raised $650 in monetary contributions and spent $369.75.
Donald Michael “Donny” Barber (District 5, challenging incumbent Sarah James)
A lifelong Marion County resident raised in Ocklawaha and a graduate of Ocala Christian Academy, Barber currently serves as city manager for the city of Archer. He chairs the Marion County Board of Adjustments and the Citra Community Center/Citra Improvement Society. He previously worked in public administration roles with the town of Williston and Putnam County.
Barber and his wife, Hannah, have five children between the ages of 1 and 7, one of whom attends Sparr Elementary, a school that has been discussed for possible closure. That personal connection, he said, helped prompt his run. On his campaign website, Barber stresses safer schools, responsible finances, improved student performance and leadership that puts students, teachers and families first.
Campaign finances reflect that as of the Q1 2026 report, Barber has raised $450 in Q4 2025 and $2,079.37 in Q1 2026, for a total of $2,529.37 across both quarters, while spending $322.17 overall.
Daniel Lane Makara (District 3, challenging incumbent Eric Cummings)
Makara has reported no campaign contributions or expenditures to date, according to filings with the Marion County Supervisor of Elections. As of publication, Makara had not confirmed whether he will stay in the race after indicating to the “Gazette” that he would likely withdraw, but did not indicate why.
All four challengers have filed as nonpartisan (NP) candidates and are listed as Active-Filed on the Marion County Supervisor of Elections site.
Incumbent James first ran for the Marion County School Board District 5 seat in 2022, emphasizing her background as a parent and education professional. She holds advanced degrees in education, including a doctorate in educational leadership, and has worked as a teacher and school administrator in Marion County Public Schools. In her service priorities, she has focused on recruiting and retaining qualified staff, strengthening student-centered budgeting, planning for district growth and expanding vocational and career education opportunities for students. She currently serves as board chair following her election in 2022. According to filings with the Marion County Supervisor of Elections, James has reported $31,200 in monetary contributions, $0.00 in in-kind contributions and $670.00 in expenditures in the current election cycle.
Cummings has been in office since 2018, with subsequent re-election to a term running through 2026. He participates in district governance and oversight alongside other board members. Public information on his tenure reflects involvement in school board decisions and district policy work during a period focused on student performance recovery, school operations and broader governance challenges affecting Marion County schools. According to filings with the Marion County Supervisor of Elections, Cummings has reported $190 in monetary contributions, $500 in in-kind contributions and $0.00 in expenditures in the current election cycle.
Voters can review the most current candidate list, financial disclosures, district maps and contact information at votemarion.gov under “Filed Candidates” and “Financial Reports & Profiles.”
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