CLAY COUNTY — At just 19 years old, Matthew Mitchell said he vows to invoke change in the Clay County school district.

And he is not letting his age hold him back.

Mitchell is running for the District 2 Seat occupied by Mary Bolla, who announced she would not seek re-election. Mitchell will be in a runoff with three other candidates on Aug. 20, and the winner will replace Bolla.

It covers the Orange Park and Oakleaf areas, but Mitchell said that will not stop his mission to help the greater educational good of the entire county.

“It’s a county-wide vote. So, while I represent that specific area, I must represent all 40,000 students in the school district,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell said his main policy priorities will be student success and teacher empowerment.

“I look at the concern of, there’s 40%, if not more, of students not reading at grade level,” Mitchell said. “That’s a concern that I have.”

Mitchell added that he will focus on raising the graduation rate from 95 to a full 100%.

As a former class president and graduate of Clay High, Mitchell said he understands the necessary tools to bring to his position. His experience within the school system gives him an advantage in knowing exactly what students and teachers want.

“I know what happens in the students’ lives daily because I just lived it. Just two years ago. And, so, having someone that just lived with students in high school and interacted with students every single day gives me the value,” Mitchell said. “It’s so much value that the board lacks right now.”

Mitchell, a former legislative analyst for the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation and the Florida Department of Education, is a third-generation Clay County native. He was on the Superintendent’s Youth Advisory Council, participation in the American Legion’s Boys State program, and legislative work in education policy inspired him to enter the race.

Mitchell also assured potential voters across the county that he would always be there to answer the call.

“No matter what call it is and no matter what issue it is, they should know that I am going to make a decision that impacts the students' success,” Mitchell said.

“We need a leader who understands the policymaking process and how it impacts everyday learning in the classroom for our teachers and students. I’m proud to be a product of the Clay County school system, and as your school board member, I’ll focus on the actual issues that are impacting our county, not talking points.”