Stephanie Nordin has officially launched a campaign for the Collier County School Board District 1 seat, opening her bid with a campaign kickoff event in Naples that drew more than 150 supporters.
The event, held at Stix Sushi & Seafood, marked Nordin’s entry into the nonpartisan School Board race held during the 2026 election cycle. Nordin will run against Jeff Donaldson and Ronald Nuara for the seat. Jerry Rutherford, who currently holds the seat, has not yet filed for re-election.
Donaldson has raised $8,500 for his campaign, while Nuara raised $100, as of the most recent reporting period.
Nordin is a lifelong Collier County resident, a graduate of the county’s public school system and a mother of four. She’s also the founder of Autism Collier, a nonprofit organization that supports families navigating education and related services, and is the co-founder of the Autism Collier Charter School.
Nordin said she is seeking to bring practical experience and collaborative leadership to the School Board.
“I’m running because I believe our school board needs leaders who are prepared, collaborative, and grounded in real experience,” Nordin said in a news release. “Strong schools require more than good intentions; they require thoughtful leadership, responsible decision-making, and a deep understanding of how policies impact students, families, and educators.”
Nordin’s campaign emphasizes student success, family partnerships, support for teachers and staff, fiscal responsibility and expanding opportunities across Collier County schools.
The kickoff event drew support from a cross-section of local elected officials and community leaders, including School Board member Tim Moshier, former School Board Chair Jen Mitchell, Property Appraiser Vickie Downs, Everglades City Council member Mike McComas, County Commissioners Burt Saunders and Rick LoCastro, and Marco Island City Council members Tamara Goehler and Deb Henry.
Nordin has also received early backing from Rep. Meg Weinberger, with additional endorsements expected in the coming weeks.
