Scapecchi Qualifies for Baldwin County BOE Place 5 Race

Whitney Scapecchi, an investigative journalist known for her work on public accountability, has qualified to run for the Baldwin County Board of Education, Place 5. She filed on the final day of the qualifying period, ending months of public outreach and personal reflection.

Scapecchi said her decision followed sustained conversations with families, teachers, and community leaders across Baldwin County. She had previously urged other residents to consider running for the seat but concluded late in the process that no additional candidates would enter the race.

“This was not a decision made early or casually,” Scapecchi said. “I believed it was important for new voices to step forward, and I worked intentionally to encourage that. When it became clear that would not happen, I had to ask myself whether continuing to call for accountability without being willing to serve directly was enough.”

Scapecchi is the founder of Southern Freedom Press, the written arm of Southern Freedom Society, a Statewide civic accountability effort focused on public records, transparency, and ethical governance. Her work began with education-related issues and has expanded to cover land use, public contracts, and the flow of taxpayer dollars, often highlighting gaps in oversight at both the local and state levels.

Over the past year, her reporting has examined school governance and related policy decisions that affect families and communities throughout Alabama.

Scapecchi said her choice to run came after prayer and counsel from trusted community members, along with a careful review of the responsibility she believes comes with public advocacy.

“If I am going to continue advocating for transparency and accountability, then I also have to be willing to step into the work myself,” she said.

In addition to her journalism, Scapecchi brings more than a decade of senior leadership experience in retail operations. She has managed large teams, overseen high-volume budgets, and led personnel development efforts. She said that experience shapes her focus on clear metrics, fiscal discipline, and open governance.

Her campaign will emphasize restoring public trust in the school board through firm oversight, compliance with open records laws, and clear communication with parents and educators. She said her candidacy is grounded in service, sound governance, and institutional accountability.

A Baldwin County resident and mother of three, Scapecchi said student safety and educational integrity will remain central priorities if elected.

Scapecchi will appear on the Republican primary ballot on May 19.

For more information on Scapecchi, follow her on Facebook.