Joe Gufford is running for Duval County School Board District 2, a seat currently held by Susan Wilkinson. Wilkinson cannot run because of term limits. Gufford is a former Navy officer and currently owns a Service Master franchise.
HOW WILL GUFFORD’S BUSINESS BACKGROUND HELP HIM AS A SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER?
There is a movement in the business community to encourage local business leaders to get involved with the school system. The Chamber of Commerce, while maintaining an apolitical stance, is trying to generate interest in the School Board race among its membership. “They are expressing the view that business people should be involved with the school system. I wholeheartedly agree. In all reality, the Duval County School System is a $1.3 billion business. Teachers are an integral part, of course. But the School Board is effectively the board of directors for the largest business in Duval County.”
HOW CAN A BUSINESS-MINDED PERSON HELP THE BOARD?
“What I’m shooting for on the School Board is to lend some business acumen, some business know-how, to help eliminate some of the waste.”
WHAT KIND OF WASTE?
“I can’t speak in specific numbers. I’ve been trying to get a School Board budget, which is not that easy. But generally, we could save some money in facilities — maintaining schools. I have some questions in how we’re spending money in a lot of ways. Other ways of saving money would be basically a review of the administrative system. I’m not necessarily saying eliminate jobs under the superintendent, but to use them more effectively.”
WHAT KIND OF CHANGE IS HE LOOKING FOR?
“I have what many people call drastic changes in mind. The bottom line, I’ve been in Jacksonville 13 years. We’re all interested in the economic development of the city. But when we have a school system that takes away from the appeal for businesses to move here, that really kind of irks me. What I don’t want to come across as is some business guy who’s only interested in the bottom line.” Gufford says he wants to forge a positive relationship between the School Board and other City entities. In the past, the School Board has drawn a line in the sand warning the mayor not to overstep his political boundaries. “I’d like to work with the mayor’s office and the City Council as a School Board member. There’s an adversarial relationship between them right now.”
CAN HE RELATE TO SUPERINTENDENT JOHN FRYER’S STYLE OF LEADERSHIP?
“I do read him loud and clear.” Like Fryer, Gufford spent time as a military officer. “I think with my military background, I can relate to it.”
HOW DOES THE SCHOOL SYSTEM DIRECTLY AFFECT HIS LIFE?
Gufford has two children in Alimacani Elementary School. He has a daughter entering the third grade and a son beginning kindergarten this fall.
WHO ARE HIS CAMPAIGN STAFF?
It’s small, consisting of Gufford and his wife, Trena, and a few other friends and volunteers.
WHAT CAMPAIGN TOOLS DOES HE HAVE?
He has established a website, www.joegufford.com. With a catchy “Joe Knows” slogan, he outlines his stand on several school system issues as well as “frequently asked questions.”
— by Glenn Tschimpke