Matthew Geiger is running for Pasco County School Board District 3 in the nonpartisan general election on Nov. 3. He faces Mollyana Ward.

Geiger finished first among five candidates in the Aug. 18 primary with 29% of the vote, according to Ballotpedia. Ward placed second with 21%. Neither won an outright majority, sending both to the general election.

Asked in our candidate questionnaire what drove him to run again, Geiger said: "In 2022 I was able to obtain 43% of the vote against a 16 year incumbent , I felt the first run was a good stepping stone and learning experience and deserved a 2nd try." Ballotpedia recorded his 2022 result at 41.1%.

Candidate information

Party affiliation: "Republican," Geiger said in our questionnaire. The school board race is nonpartisan.

Family: "I have been happily married to my wife, Amie, for 25 years. We are proud parents of three children: Roman, 17; Kylie, 20; and Luke, 24," Geiger said in our questionnaire.

Education: Geiger listed his education in our questionnaire as:

"California University of Pennsylvania — California, PA M.Ed. in Educational Leadership Principal Certification, August 2007

Slippery Rock University — Slippery Rock, PA M.Ed. in Educational Psychology Guidance Counseling Certification, May 2001

La Roche University — North Hills, PA B.S. in Business Administration, Finance May 1996"

Previous elected office: "None," Geiger said in our questionnaire.

Experience and public service

Geiger listed his work history in our questionnaire:

"Pressley Ridge Schools 1996-2000 Teacher & Residential Supervisor Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers Union Representative 2008 -2011 Pittsburgh Public Schools 2000-2017 Guidance Counselor/ESL Asst director/Asst Principal Saddlebrook Preparatory School 2017-2020 - Director of Student Services Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School 2020- Present - Director of Student Services Benfica International Academy 2026 -2027 - Principal St Leo University 2026 - Present - Educational Consultant to the President"

According to Ballotpedia, Geiger's experience also includes work as a child and family investigator at social services, an administrator at a psychiatric hospital and a supervisor for special needs and disabilities. He was born in Pennsylvania.

Asked what accomplishments show he can handle the job, Geiger said in our questionnaire: "My greatest evidence that I can handle this job is my 30 years in education and the leadership responsibilities I have held throughout my career. … These experiences taught me how to lead people, solve problems, navigate difficult situations, and balance the needs of students, teachers, families, and the organization."

On the issues

Curriculum and academic standards: Geiger told WUSF: "My top priority is ensuring every child receives a high-quality, academically rigorous education free from ideological indoctrination. We need to emphasize phonics-based reading, basic math proficiency and American exceptionalism — not divisive social theories."

What sets him apart: Geiger said in our questionnaire: "I bring not only experience to the table, but also practical ideas for improving Pasco County Schools:

A Path to Better Teacher Pay – Developing long-term, sustainable solutions to improve teacher compensation and retention. Workforce Partnerships – Building stronger partnerships with local businesses and employers to expand Career and Technical Education programs and connect students with career opportunities immediately after graduation. … Character Education – Establishing a K–12 character education program that emphasizes responsibility, respect, integrity, and citizenship."

School choice: Geiger said he strongly supports school choice, including public, charter and private options, according to Neighborhood News.

Teacher housing proposal: Geiger had proposed building district-owned affordable housing for teachers. Asked about that plan in our questionnaire, he said: "I have withdrawn this concept after hearing from the Pasco County residence. … Based on the feedback I received from teachers, parents, staff, and members of our community, I have decided to withdraw this idea and will not pursue it. And I'm okay with that. Leadership isn't just about putting ideas on the table. It's also about listening when the community tells you an idea needs to be reconsidered."