UPDATE: Brian Barefoot Resigns from the School Board. District Board Members React.
Mr. Barefoot formally addresses the School District professionals recognizing the admirable work being done "in particularly challenging times."
In a surprising announcement yesterday, District 5, school board member, Brian Barefoot resigned. A statement from Cristen Maddux, Director of Communications for the School District of Indian River County read, “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. Instead, he has endorsed David Dyer to take his seat. 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 on the board.
Wednesday afternoon, Mr. Barefoot sent an email addressed to Dr. Moore, Board Members and all Employees of the District. He opened, “This morning I submitted my resignation representing District 5 effective immediately. For personal reasons, my wife and I made the decision to move our residence from District 5 to District 2.”
Mr. Barefoot revealed to TCPalm that he and his wife have moved to Oak Harbor. He also expressed that he was “grateful to all of you, the dedicated staff, principals, teachers, and support personnel, who under the leadership of Dr. Moore, have performed so admirably in particularly challenging times.”
The final section of his email was to his “fellow board members” showing appreciation for “significant improvement over the last 4 years” while reminding them that, “there remains much work to be done.”
The Sunshine Journal reached out to the 4 remaining board members for comment. Dr. Gene Posca and Teri Barenborg did not respond. Via email, Dr. Peggy Jones said, “I wish Mr. Barefoot and his family the best. It was a pleasure serving on the School Board with him.”
Dr. Jones and Mr. Barefoot were very cordial with one another throughout Mr. Barefoot’s abbreviated term. They both often voted the same way on many issues including mask mandates and book challenges. As a result, in March of 2023, Gov. DeSantis targeted his and Dr. Jones’ seats for replacement. Mr. Barefoot immediately declared his candidacy for a second term. According to Vero News / 32963, Mr. 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.”
Through the media, the political attacks made by Mr. Barefoot were directed at the only board member endorsed by Governor DeSantis in Indian River County, Jacqueline Rosario. In December of 2023, he questioned Ms. Rosario’s ability to do her job. Reached for comment, Ms. Rosario remarked, “I am very happy Mr. Barefoot has resigned. We need someone who will be present, involved, and willing to do the work that is required of this position. He has been incredibly divisive, politically pitting board members against each other. It’s time for us to get back to what is most important, putting kids first.”
Mr. Barefoot has also informed the Supervisor of Elections and Governor DeSantis’ office. DeSantis could appoint a replacement upon the reception of Barefoot’s official resignation letter. However, his administration could leave the position vacant until it is filled through the electoral process. Currently, the two hopeful candidates are Mr. Barefoot’s preference, David Dyer, or businessman and former chairman of the Geneva School, Kevin McDonald.