SYNERGY - Juneteenth Edition 2021

Story By: Heaven Taylor-Wynn

For Alachua County School Board Member Dr. Leanetta McNealy, a career in education was practically in her blood. The 38-year education veteran grew up in Orlando, FL to a father who was a principal and a mother who was a teacher and guidance counselor.

“My entire family, they were all involved in some capacity in education,” she said. Dr. McNealy got her start in education in Alachua County as a fourth grade teacher at Littlewood Elementary in 1972. To put into perspective how much things have changed since then, McNealy recalled the principal who hired her asking questions about what she planned to wear to work and whether she had reliable childcare.

“Those kinds of questions would never be asked now,” she said. Since then she’s taught in various capacities throughout the county, served as a curriculum specialist and launched a fine arts program at Duval Elementary in the early 2000s. She’s even followed in her father’s footsteps in becoming a school principal.

McNealy’s most recent reelection to the school board in August 2020 was historic. She, Diyonne McGraw and Tina Certain make up 60 percent of the first majority Black woman school board in Alachua County Public Schools’ history. This marked the beginning of McNealy’s third term as a member of the school board, her first as chair.

Dr. McNealy said her focus has remained the same since joining the board in 2012. She’s focused on putting children first, empowering all school employees and closing the achievement gap.

Additionally, McNealy was clear that there are a number of issues

facing Alachua County’s schools right now including privatization, graduation rates, teacher and professional salaries as well as high stakes testing. Not to mention unique challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Understandably, parents have been concerned and had questions for the board about how school would proceed. McNealy welcomed opinions and feedback openly.

“When we couldn’t have all the people in the boardroom, we tried to give them access. The challenge is making sure we stick with our policies and making everyone safe,” she said.

Ultimately, Dr. McNealy has continuously positioned herself as a leader for the people. She’s dedicated to making decisions that best reflect the interests of the students. “Even though the years have been challenging, I truly enjoy and hope I’ve made an impact in what I’ve been responsible for.”