A major labor coalition just threw its weight behind former Boynton Beach Commissioner Christina Romelus’ bid for the Palm Beach County School Board.
The Palm Beach-Treasure Coast AFL-CIO — which represents workers across Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties — is endorsing Romelus for the School Board’s District 4 seat.
The organization’s President, Pat Emmert, cited Romelus’ education background and her public policy work as key to earning its support.
“Christina Romelus believes that strong public schools are built by investing in students, respecting educators, and supporting working families,” Emmert said.
“Christina’s experience as an educator, public servant, and mother gives her a real understanding of what families in Palm Beach County need from their schools.”
Romelus called the endorsement an honor.
“I’m running for School Board to ensure every child has access to a safe, high-quality education, every family feels involved in our schools, and every educator has the support and respect they deserve,” she said.
The AFL-CIO endorsement Monday adds to an expanding roster of officials and groups backing Romelus, including U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, Florida Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman, state Sen. Mack Bernard, state Rep. Jervonte Edmonds, Palm Beach County Tax Collector Anne Gannon, County Commissioners Bobby Powell and Maria Sachs, West Palm Beach Commissioners Joe Peduzzi and Christina Lambert, former School Board Member Alexandria Ayala, Ruth’s List Florida, and the firefighters of IAFF Local 2928.
Romelus, 37, made history in 2016 as Boynton Beach’s youngest City Commissioner and later served as Vice Mayor.
She taught anatomy and physiology at Palm Beach State College from 2014 to 2020, and now runs PolitiCALM, a government affairs and leadership-training firm.
Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and raised in Palm Beach County, Romelus lives in Boynton Beach with her firefighter husband Darren and their two sons.
She is running to succeed School Board member Erica Whitfield, who is leaving the board to run for County Commission.
Others running for the District 4 seat include parent and teacher spouse Tiffany Bryant, former Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent Anthony Hamlet and private school administrator Daniel Zapata.
The Primary is Aug. 18, followed by the General Election on Nov. 3. Because the School Board and its races are technically nonpartisan, voters can choose between all candidates on the Primary ballot.
