New candidate in District 4 race

Mike Mills

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Posted June 2, 2026 | By Jamie Berube, [email protected]

Mike Mills, owner of Symmetry Coffee Company in Ocala and a U.S. Navy veteran, has filed as a candidate in the open Marion County School Board District 4 race. Mills filed his candidacy on May 4, joining a competitive nonpartisan field for the seat being vacated by incumbent Nancy Thrower, who is not seeking re-election.

The race will be decided in the Aug. 18 primary and Nov. 3 general election, with the qualifying deadline set for June 12. Board members serve four-year terms and receive an annual salary of $50,000, which is equal to the starting pay of a schoolteacher.

A self-described proud product of Marion County Public Schools, Mills served as a nuclear machinist mate on submarines from 2010 to 2017. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in natural science from Excelsior University and a master’s in business administration from Florida Atlantic University. He is a Take Stock in Children alumnus and currently serves as a mentor in the program. Mills also works as an adjunct business school professor at the College of Central Florida.

Mills said his decision to file for the District 4 seat was driven by his deep personal connection to Marion County schools and a desire to give back.

“I’m the right person because of my unique perspective. I was a student of this school system and I understand their needs. I served this nation in the Navy. I can assure you that patriotism starts in the middle school civics class. I’m not only a business professor at a local college, I’m also the only candidate that owns my own business and I understand the weight of fiscal responsibility. The combination of these skills/experiences and a lifelong passion for service makes me the ideal candidate,” Mills said.

He credits the Take Stock in Children program with changing the trajectory of his life after being awarded a scholarship in eighth grade.

“I was assigned a mentor and that changed my life. Today, I am a mentor to multiple students in the program that opened doors for me. I am a founding co-chair of the TSIC Alumni Council and I am part of Florida Atlantic University’s Presidential Mentoring Program,” Mills said.

Mills believes his military service provides a valuable perspective for school board leadership and highlighted the importance of leadership and building relationships.

“We can’t lead people where we have never been. I’ve been a mentee, a mentor. I’m a business owner and I’m currently a business school professor. Effective school board leadership also requires the ability to build productive relationships at the state and federal level, where important conversations about education, policy, funding and legislative priorities take place. To truly advocate for our students, a board member must be able to work collaboratively both inside the community and beyond it, always with the goal of creating the best possible opportunities for our students, teachers and families,” Mills said.

He said he feels his experience as a small business owner has given him insight into the skills he believes local employers need from graduates.

“The most useful skills that I have developed as a business owner are in the financial arena. I understand budgets, appropriate spending, strategic thinking and I have signed the front of checks. I have spent my time connecting and collaborating with the city, the county and serving MCPS (Marion County Public Schools) in numerous categories. I’ve hosted and attended the superintendent breakfast since its inception, for multiple superintendents. Award-winning teachers of MCPS met with the superintendent to have a real conversation about what is going on in the classroom and what the teachers’ needs are. I’ve sponsored and attended ceremonies, graduations, retirements, strategic planning sessions and received awards for my service to the education system,” Mills continued.

On his top three priorities, Mills emphasized student outcomes across all pathways.

“I believe our students deserve to be highly educated, happy and healthy. I intend to accomplish these goals by equipping and supporting our stellar teachers through fiscal responsibility and encouraging growth in the many avenues our students have after graduation. Our responsibility as a school district is to help every student find a pathway to success. For some students, that may be college. For others, it may be enlisting in the military, entering the workforce, attending technical school or pursuing a skilled trade. As a school board member, I would strongly support expanding Career and Technical Education (CTE) and trade programs so students can graduate with real skills, certifications and opportunities that prepare them for careers right here in our community. I also believe military service is an honorable pathway that builds leadership, discipline and lifelong opportunity for many young people. Our goal should be to ensure every graduate leaves our schools prepared for a productive future, whatever path they choose,” Mills said.

As of the latest available reports on the Marion County Supervisor of Elections website, Mills has reported no monetary contributions or expenditures in the current election cycle. His campaign website is mikemillsmarionschools.com

• The other candidates in the District 4 race are: Brigitte Smith, a longtime registered nurse, U.S. Army Nursing Corps veteran and chairwoman of the Marion County Republican Executive Committee. Smith filed on May 15. No campaign contributions were reported as of the latest filing.
• Jeffrey “Jeff” Brewer, a retired 20-year Marion County special education teacher. As of the Q1 2026 report, Brewer raised $1,803 and spent $672.21.
• Earl “Buddy” Wyckoff, a veteran high school math teacher with 38 years in the classroom. As of the Q1 2026 report, Wyckoff raised $650 and spent $369.75.

All candidates have filed as nonpartisan and are listed as active-filed on the Marion County Supervisor of Elections site.

To learn more, go to votemarion.gov