BREAKING: Brian Barefoot Resigns from the School Board
School Board member has moved out of District 5 causing forfeiture of seat.
In a surprising announcement today, District 5, school board member, Brian Barefoot has resigned. A statement from Cristen Maddux, Director of Communications for the School District of Indian River County reads, “As of today, February 21, 2024, the district was officially notified that due to Mr. Barefoot, School Board Member, relocating out of District 5, he is resigning. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Barefoot for his service and commitment to our school district and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
Just last week, Mr. Barefoot withdrew from seeking a second term for the seat. Instead, he has endorsed David Dyer’s campaign to take his place on the board. His former campaign manager, Jeffrey Andros is managing Dyer’s campaign. It was known that Barefoot and Andros were interviewing potential candidates to replace him this election season.
Through sources, The Sunshine Journal has learned that Mr. Barefoot will be informing the Supervisor of Elections and the Governor DeSantis’ office most likely today. DeSantis could appoint a replacement upon the reception of Barefoot’s official resignation letter. When Barefoot ran in 2020, he promised only to serve one-term. In March of 2023, when DeSantis targeted his and Dr. Peggy Jones’ seats for replacement, Barefoot declared his candidacy. According to Vero News, Barefoot vowed “to fight on” while telling the paper, “If they think putting me on this list is going to get rid of me, they need to think again.”
It is not publicly known whether Mr. Barefoot will remain in the area.
This story will be updated as more information becomes known.