ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — With the general election just over a month away, attention is shifting to local races, including the contest for Seminole County's District 3 school board seat. Recent school safety threats have placed the spotlight on this race, as candidates outline their platforms to address these pressing issues.

Stephanie Arguello, a candidate for District 3, comes from a background in community health and education. Her campaign is centered on a student-focused approach, with an emphasis on both physical and mental wellness. Arguello, who is also a parent of a Lake Brantley High School student, says more proactive measures are needed to protect students.

“As a public health professional, I’m thinking five or ten years down the road,” Arguello said. “This is our future workforce, our future leaders. We’ve got to be proactive.”

Arguello's platform also highlights digital safety concerns, noting that students face risks not only in the physical world but also online. She stresses the importance of educating students on digital citizenship and the need for open communication between parents, students, and the school system regarding safety measures.

Her opponent, incumbent Abby Sanchez, has spent 35 years working in education, including 26 years as a classroom teacher. While Sanchez declined an on-camera interview, she released a statement addressing the recent surge in social media threats targeting schools across the country. Sanchez assured families that all potential threats are thoroughly investigated and urged parents to discuss the seriousness of such actions with their children.

“These threats are not funny. It’s not a joke, and they will be taken seriously,” Sanchez said in the statement. “The consequences are no laughing matter.”

Both candidates are now in a run-off election for the District 3 seat, and voters will decide who will lead the charge in addressing these critical safety concerns.

The deadline to register to vote is Monday, Oct. 7.