Justin Sharpless
Age: 42 | Occupation: Professor
Campaign slogan: “Sharpie” for Students!
Education
Master of Science in Agricultural Education and Leadership, University of Missouri, 2014
Master of Agribusiness, University of Florida, 2008
Links
Brief Bio
Lake Wales native, former middle/high school educator, Warner University Department Chair, Polk County School Board Chair, husband and father of three
Endorsements
- Sheriff Grady Judd
- Jennifer Canady, State Representative
- Jennifer Kincart Jonsson, State Representative
- Jon Albert, State Representative
- Hilary Holley, State Representative
- Dr. Martha Santiago, County Commissioner
- Bill Braswell, County Commissioner
- Ashley Troutman, Lakeland City Commissioner
- Guy LaLonde Jr., Lakeland City Commissioner
- Mike Musick, Lakeland City Commissioner
- Terry Coney, Lakeland City Commissioner
- Dawn McDonald, Mulberry City Commissioner
- Chad Davis, Winter Haven City Commissioner
- Joe Garrison, Mayor of Dundee
- Jack Hilligoss, Mayor of Lake Wales
- Daniel Williams, Lake Wales City Commissioner
- Keith Thompson, Lake Wales City Commissioner
- Austin Gravley, Frostproof City Commissioner
- Dr. Adam Greenway, Frostproof City Commissioner
- Polk Education Association
Kasen Hampton
Age: 19 | Occupation: College student
Publisher’s Note: Hampton did not return LkldNow’s questionnaire. We’ve pulled together information from available sources
Education
Current student at Polk State College.
Graduate of Candlelight Christian Academy in Lake Wales
Links
Brief Bio
None provided
Five Questions
What are your top three priorities?
Sharpless: My top three priorities are improving student achievement, supporting our employees and maintaining safe schools. During my time on the board, PCPS has improved from a “C” to a “B” district, and I want us to achieve an “A” rating by 2030. Despite ranking 62nd of 67 districts in per-pupil funding, we continue to prioritize staff compensation. I also support fairer state funding for Polk County and strong partnerships with law enforcement, because safe schools are essential for student success.
Why are you running for this office?
Sharpless: I want to continue serving on the Polk County School Board to ensure my three sons, and every child in Polk County, have access to an excellent education. I am equally committed to supporting the staff who make student success possible. Education is a family calling for us, with multiple family members serving in PCPS and LWCS. Their perspectives keep me grounded in the opportunities and challenges facing our schools, strengthening my commitment to students, families and educators.
What do you think is the appropriate use of technology in classrooms?
Sharpless: I believe technology should enhance learning and support rather than replace great teaching. My goal is to help teachers spend more time working with students and less time on administrative tasks. Technology can streamline responsibilities such as lesson planning and discipline documentation, allowing educators to focus on instruction. It also creates opportunities for personalized support through programs like Varsity Tutors, helping students receive the assistance they need to succeed.
Polk County has a large number of teacher vacancies. What can the school district do to attract and retain teachers that it is not already doing?
Sharpless: Teacher shortages remain one of the greatest challenges facing public education. Polk County must continue building local talent pipelines while expanding recruitment and retention efforts. By creating flexible opportunities, improving working conditions, supporting professional growth, streamlining hiring, and offering targeted incentives, we can attract and retain high-quality educators. Our goal should be to make Polk County a place where teachers build careers, not just find jobs.
With reading scores still struggling statewide, what should schools in your district focus on most to help students improve academically?
Sharpless: Improving literacy has been one of my priorities as a school board member. I am encouraged that the percentage of Polk County Public Schools students reading on grade level has increased from 41.5% in 2022–23 to 50.1% in 2024–25. This progress reflects the hard work of our students, teachers and families. By using real-time data to monitor student performance, our educators can provide targeted support that meets each child’s individual learning needs and helps them succeed.
Research the candidates' campaign contributions
This story was compiled from LkldNow, a nonprofit newsroom providing independent local news for Lakeland. Read at LkldNow.com.
