Haitian-American Christina Romelus Seeks School Board Seat

Haitian-born Christina Romelus is running for a seat on the Palm Beach County School Board against Daniel Zapata in an upcoming election. According to Le Floridien, if elected, she could become the first Haitian American to hold this position.

Romelus previously served as Boynton Beach City Commissioner and Vice Mayor before leaving public office. She aims to bring her experience from health care and education into a new role on the School Board. Romelus's campaign focuses on improving student reading proficiency and fostering partnerships between schools and local businesses, highlighting her personal connection to the school system as a mother of two children attending Palm Beach County public schools.

In August, Romelus led the primary election with approximately 41% of the vote but did not secure an outright victory. The race advanced to a runoff in November where she faces Daniel Zapata, who teaches at Atlantic Christian Academy and has worked in school administration. According to Le Floridien, neither candidate secured more than half the votes needed for a clear win.

Romelus's candidacy highlights growing Haitian American involvement beyond traditional municipal offices. Mack Bernard became the first Haitian-American elected to the Palm Beach County Commission in 2016, but Romelus’s potential victory would mark another milestone if she becomes the county’s first Haitian-American School Board member.

The District 4 seat being contested covers communities between West Palm Beach and Boca Raton. The election will determine who takes over from Erica Whitfield, a former three-term School Board member now serving on the Palm Beach County Commission.