Langford Fleming coasts to victory in School District of Lee County District 6 at-large race

Aug 18, 2026 By Nathan Mayberg 2 min read

School District of Lee County District 6 trustee Jada Langford Fleming won re-election for a second four-year term on Tuesday. Photo provided

District 6 Lee County School Board Board Member Jada Langford Fleming was re-elected handily to a second term, fending off a primary challenge from India Palencia for the at-large seat.

Langford Fleming received more than 66.3% of the vote, compared to 33.7% for Palencia, with 93% of polls reporting. The district covers all of Lee County.

“I am so honored to be able to continue to serve the children and the families and the educators,” Langford Fleming said on Tuesday after her win.

“It’s been a great four years,” Langford Fleming said. Langford Fleming earned her second four-year term on the board, with the overwhelming victory. Langford Fleming credited Palencia on her campaign. “It takes a lot of courage,” she said. “I applaud anyone who runs for office.”

Langford Fleming, a former elementary school teacher in the School District of Lee County, currently works as an athletic trainer in addition to her $54,000 job on the school board.

Langford Fleming said she knocked on more than 3,000 doors. “I worked really hard,” Langford Fleming said. “It’s the honor of a lifetime.”

Palencia, a substitute teacher in the School District of Lee County, had run a campaign challenging Langford Fleming and the school board’s management of the district’s finances during a time of fiscal crisis in which the district reported an operating deficit of more than $90 million earlier this year. The Estero resident also criticized the district’s record on student achievement. Hundreds of staff members lost their jobs in recent months.

Langford Fleming, of Fort Myers, had touted the district’s cuts to the administration and staff in dealing with the budget crisis, while focusing on student achievement.

Langford Fleming said her goal is that the school district will have a 100% graduation rate and that all students will be able to read at grade level.

“I can’t wait to see what happens four years from now,” Langford Fleming said.

All election results are unofficial until certified.