The Keys Weekly wants Monroe County voters to get to know the candidates who seek to represent them at all levels of city and county government. To that end, we’ve asked each candidate for the two school board races — Districts 1 and 5 — to answer the eight questions below in 500 words.

Although each of the five school board members represents a specific region in the island chain, all members are elected by all voters, whether they live in Key West, Key Largo or anywhere in between. 

The responses here are as submitted by the candidates.

SCHOOL BOARD, DISTRICT 1

THERESA AXFORD

How long have you lived in the Florida Keys, where do you currently live, and what drew you here? My husband and I and our 5-year-old son Rob came to Key West on a vacation in 1976 to visit my sister.  When we left Philadelphia, it was 17 degrees quite a contrast to the balmy island breezes of the Keys.  We fell in love with island life and decided to close up shop in the Northeast and move to the Keys permanently.  It was a very happy decision.

Tell us a little about your family – any kids, relatives, etc. here in the Keys? I have two amazing sons, both educated in Monroe County Schools and both very successful.  I have three wonderful grandchildren: Layla, 7, and Gage, 9, live in Orlando with parents John and Molly. Isabella lives in Hillsborough, NC with Rob and Rebecca. She recently graduated from Orange High School in Hillsborough and is attending the University of North Carolina in the fall.

What volunteer/civic organizations, clubs or other groups are you involved with in Monroe County? I was a member of the Zonta Club of Key West for over 20 years and was president twice during my years in Zonta. During my tenure, the ABC Breast Cancer Walk came into being. When work responsibilities overtook my available time, I retained membership in the Florida Keys Council of the Arts. I was chairperson of the Arts Council from 2012-2020. In that role, working with executive director Liz Young, we created the latest grant program for the council, “Art Builds Community.” These grants make available funds up to $10,000 for grants that support underserved populations in the Keys with opportunities to engage with the arts.

What do you do for a living, and what does a typical day look like when you’re not campaigning? I retired from county schools after 38 years on July 31, 2025.  My most recent position was superintendent. My sister Rita lives in Germany so last fall, I traveled there and together we went to France, Belgium, Poland and Germany. She has been living in Europe for 12 years and is an avid traveler. She knows all the right spots, so it’s fun traveling with her.

What made you decide to run for public office, and/or what drew you to a career in public service? I am very passionate about making sure our students in Monroe County have a high-quality education. I have a great deal of experience with delivering quality systems and I would like to continue doing that work as a school board member.

What personal or professional accomplishment are you most proud of? I am most proud of my two sons – they are great people, responsible, proud Americans and have amazing wives and children. It’s the ultimate reward of all those years of parenting.

Where is your favorite spot in the Keys and why? My favorite spot in Key West is Higgs Beach. When we arrived, we spent a lot of time at that beach and it always symbolizes new beginnings and happiness for me.

What skills or experiences from your career or past service do you think will help you most in public office? The School Board sets policy, controls budget and oversees the Superintendent.  These are consequential duties that deserve the perspective of someone who has lived them, not just observed them.  I am the only candidate who has actually worked in Monroe County Schools and I have led schools from every possible level, teacher, assistant principal, principal, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning and Superintendent. I would like to share that wisdom and experience on the School Board.

DARREN HORAN

How long have you lived in the Florida Keys, where do you currently live, and what drew you here?  I’m a 6th generation “Conch” born and raised in Key West.  I have lived in Key West all my life, with the exception of leaving for college and law school.  My family currently resides near Key West High School (“KWHS”) in a house built by my wife’s grandparents in 1964.   

Tell us a little about your family – any kids, relatives, etc. here in the Keys? My wife and I are both graduates of KWHS and we have three daughters, one of which also graduated from KWHS (2020), and the other two are still in school. My parents still live in the same house on Key Haven that I grew up in.  

What volunteer/civic organizations, clubs or other groups are you involved with in Monroe County? I’m the current vice-chairperson of the Monroe County School Board – District 1. I’m a current member and past-president (2019) of the Key West Military Affairs Committee; a former board member for the Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce; a former Rotarian; and the former vice-president of the Southernmost Seminoles.    

What do you do for a living, and what does a typical day look like when you’re not campaigning? Aside from serving on the Monroe County School Board, I’m the managing partner of Horan Law.  Outside of work, I’m usually spending my free time with my family or coaching youth sports. 

What made you decide to run for public office, and/or what drew you to a career in public service? I wish I had a better answer, but the truth is I initially ran for the Monroe County School Board on a dare. Mindy Conn (who currently serves on the school board in District 3) dared me to run at a Christmas party back in December 2021. I’m really glad I accepted her challenge.     

What personal or professional accomplishment are you most proud of? Being a dad. 

Where is your favorite spot in the Keys and why? The backyard of my parents’ house. My father and I have spent hundreds of hours back there, smoking cigars and overlooking the canal — all while “solving the world’s problems.” I find peace there. 

What skills or experiences from your career or past service do you think will help you most in public office? Navigating a diverse board with varied backgrounds and viewpoints can be challenging, but having already served with other current Monroe County School Board members, I have a better understanding of their opinions and beliefs on certain issues. That insight helps move things along more efficiently.