NAACP calls on Alachua County School Board to hire superintendent, criticizes interim’s leadership
WCJB | By November 3, 2025
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) – As interim Alachua County Superintendent Kamela Patton expresses her desire to extend her contract, NAACP leadership is calling on school board members to hire a permanent replacement.
Patton, originally brought on to lead the district for six months, has completed a year in the job, and her contract has been extended through the end of the academic year.
NAACP President Evelyn Foxx sent a letter to the Alachua County School Board urging members not to extend Patton’s term beyond June 2026 and to hire a permanent replacement instead.
The letter listed numerous concerns, including allegations that Patton had overwhelmed staff with new initiatives, spent money on ineffective programs, and demonstrated weak leadership.
TV20 has reached out to the school district for comment on the NAACP’s allegations. This article will be updated if a comment is provided. The NAACP’s full letter is posted below.
“To the Members of the Alachua County School Board,
Dr. Patton began her interim superintendent role in November of last year. This Saturday marks one full year of her service. At the time of her appointment, her contract was intended to last approximately six months—long enough to maintain operations until a permanent superintendent could be selected. However, her contract was later extended through June 2026, and she has since expressed interest in extending it further to June 2027.
We respectfully urge the School Board to post the superintendent position and begin the search process immediately. Our district, staff, and community need the stability and long-term vision that only a permanent superintendent can provide. While Dr. Patton has initiated certain positive changes, there are serious and growing concerns throughout the district that cannot be ignored.
Key concerns include:
-Overwhelming pace of change: Too many new initiatives have been introduced in a short period, overwhelming instructional staff and administrators. Many long-standing, effective practices have been abandoned without sufficient evaluation or input.
-Costly and ineffective programs: $1.4 million was spent on Instructional Empowerment, a program that schools report is difficult to manage and not well received. $90,000 was allocated to Magma Math, another initiative that received pushback from schools. It is concerning that Dr. Patton serves on the board associated with this program.
-Low morale and weak leadership: Staff morale is at an all-time low. Employees across schools and the district office are leaving due to lack of support and fear of retaliation. The leadership team is perceived as disengaged and ineffective, spending most of their time in internal meetings rather than supporting schools.
-Severe discipline and resource challenges: Discipline issues in schools are escalating, and improvement schools are not receiving adequate support or resources. Even schools that have exited improvement status continue to struggle without the necessary follow-up assistance.
-Enrollment and facilities concerns: Several East Gainesville schools remain under-enrolled, prompting discussions about closures and demolitions. These actions require clear strategic planning to prevent “Schools of Hope” charter conversions. Rezoning must also be thoughtfully addressed.
-Need for clear, common-sense goals: The district lacks a coherent strategic vision. Sustainable, evidence-based goals must be established to guide instruction, equity, and growth.
Our district has always attracted highly qualified candidates for the superintendent position. Posting the position now will allow ample time to identify a strong, visionary leader who can assume full responsibilities by the 2026–2027 school year.
In summary, it is evident that the current leadership approach is not working. Teachers, administrators, and staff are exhausted and demoralized. Immediate action is necessary to restore confidence, stability, and direction to our schools.
We therefore urge the Board to begin the superintendent search process without delay.”
