Live calls led to an impromptu co-appearance between the rivals.
Byron Donalds took some calls during an appearance on Jacksonville radio, including one from an opponent in Aug. 18’s Republican gubernatorial Primary.
James Fishback dialed in to WJCT’s “First Coast Connect” to ask how he would “hold charter schools” accountable in “the rare but serious cases when they defraud parents, investors and taxpayers.”
Fishback, who identified himself as “Thomas” to the call screener, alleged that Optima Classical Academy, which was founded by Byron Donalds’ wife, Erika Donalds, left parents, students and investors scrambling. It ultimately didn’t open, amid issues related to recovery from Hurricane Ian.
Byron Donalds noted that Erika Donalds opened and operated five charter schools in the state.
“They weren’t able to open up that school on time, in part because of the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. It was very difficult for teachers to be able to find places to live after the hurricane and we were still rebuilding in Southwest Florida,” Donalds said.
“My wife decided to actually not be in a school management business anymore. So she turned that school over to another provider. That provider is opening up this Fall. They actually open up next week. And so I find it interesting that people will try to cast aspersions on my wife.”
Donalds said investors were not left “holding the bag.”
“Every endeavor my wife has been in, they’ve all been made whole,” he said.