Ron Long Announces Candidacy for Flagler County School Board, District 4 in 2026

Palm Coast Local introduces our first Political Candidate Series for 2026 and features Ron Long running for Flagler School Board; District 4. 

From Jobsite to School Board: A Life of Work, Family, and Community Service

A lifelong Floridian with deep roots in Flagler County, Ron Long has officially announced his candidacy for the Flagler County School Board, District 4 — a decision shaped by decades of hands-on work, community involvement, and a personal connection to public education.

Long is a product of Florida’s public school system, as are his three children, all of whom graduated locally. Two went on to college, while one chose to serve in the United States Coast Guard. Those experiences, both as a student and a parent, have given him a firsthand understanding of the challenges facing today’s schools — and the responsibility communities share in preparing students for life beyond graduation.

Born and raised in Jacksonville’s west side, Long grew up in a middle-class household where hard work was a daily expectation, not a slogan. His mother worked in banking, while his father — an optician — watched corporate chains push out independent businesses. In response, his father invested in rental properties, and from a young age, Long worked alongside him maintaining them. The lessons learned there — responsibility, accountability, and practical problem-solving — would prove just as formative as anything taught in a classroom.

At 21, Long earned his real estate license, quickly gravitating toward property management, maintenance, and repair work. That path evolved into a more than 30-year career in construction, where he worked hands-on across residential, commercial, and agricultural projects throughout Flagler County. From framing and drywall to full project management, Long gained a blue-collar perspective that continues to shape his views on workforce readiness, career education, and respect for skilled trades.

In 2003, Ron and his wife, Rebecca, built their home in Palm Coast, where they raised their family and deepened their involvement in the community. Over the years, the Long family has been active through church, volunteer efforts, local events, and the arts — including involvement with the Flagler Playhouse.

Long currently serves on the Planning & Development Advisory Board, is secretary of the Flagler County Republican Executive Committee, and volunteers regularly through church and community programs. He notes that earlier in life, public office simply wasn’t an option. “I was on the jobsite,” he explains — working long days to support his family and contribute to the local economy.

That changed in 2023, when a serious work-related injury brought his construction career to an end. What followed, however, was not withdrawal — but deeper civic engagement. Since then, Long has become a regular attendee at school board, city council, and county commission meetings, completed local citizens academies, participated in focus groups, and expanded his public service efforts.

As a candidate, Long is focused on school safety, parental rights, school choice, and strong support for teachers. He believes the mission of public education is clear: every student should graduate prepared for what comes next. To that end, he advocates recognizing four equally honorable post-graduation paths — college, military service, skilled trades, and direct entry into the workforce — and ensuring students are equipped for each.

He also supports higher academic standards and greater local control, arguing that declining literacy rates and mediocre performance are unacceptable. While acknowledging that funding formulas and millage rates are set at the state level, Long believes local districts are too often held accountable without the authority or resources needed to deliver results, particularly when one-size-fits-all mandates come from Tallahassee.

“My focus is simple,” Long said. “Prepare every Flagler County student for success after high school, no matter the path, while keeping parents and the community meaningfully engaged in our schools.”

If elected, Long says his focus will remain on outcomes, not politics with the goal of ensuring every Flagler County student graduates with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities needed to succeed in life.

With practical experience, strong community roots, and a lifetime shaped by work, family, and service, Ron Long is running for Flagler County School Board, District 4, to bring common-sense leadership to local education, and that's important to every student and parent.

Helpful Details and Contact Information:
Website: VoteRonLong.com 
Contact email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Editorial Disclaimer:
PalmCoastLocal.com does not endorse, support, or oppose any political candidate or campaign. This article is published for informational purposes only and is intended to provide the community with candidate-submitted announcements and background information. Inclusion on PalmCoastLocal.com should not be construed as an endorsement of any individual, position, or political party. If your candidate does not apear here, they choose not to participate.