Ward seeks Pasco school board District 3 seat

Mollyana Ward is running for Pasco County School Board District 3 in the Nov. 3 general election. The nonpartisan seat is also sought by Matthew Geiger.

Ward, who identifies as Republican, said in our candidate questionnaire submitted Oct. 16 that she is running "because I believe schools should focus on educating children and preparing them for life. That means strong academics, critical thinking, financial literacy, communication and practical skills. I want students to learn how to think, not what to think."

She added: "Education is personal to me. I earned my GED as a young mother, owned an early childhood education business, and homeschooled for ten years after navigating my son's IEP. All my sons graduated from Pasco public high schools."

Candidate information

Occupation and work history: Ward said in our questionnaire: "I owned and operated Molly's Corner, a Gold Seal childcare business, and served as president of the Central Florida Association for Family Child Care. … I've been a Realtor since 2013 and currently serve as a Broker Associate with LPT Realty. I'm also a cofounder of Icemann Development and founder of RAW Space Collaborative."

Education: Ward said in our questionnaire: "I earned my GED as a young mother and later returned to college while raising my family and building businesses. I completed more than 50 college credits at Hillsborough Community College, earning Dean's List honors and membership in Phi Theta Kappa. I'm currently continuing my education at Pasco Hernando State College, with plans to transfer to the University of South Florida."

Family: Ward said in our questionnaire: "My husband, Gordie, and I have a blended family of five sons and six wonderful grandchildren. I was widowed in 2019 when my first husband, Rick, died from brain cancer. … One of my sons proudly serves in the United States Air Force."

Previous public office: Ward said in our questionnaire: "I have not previously held elected or appointed public office. … I previously served as President of the Central Florida Association for Family Child Care and as a Director of Florida Realtors in 2025. I also serve on the Board of Directors for Bridging Freedom, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping survivors of child sex trafficking."

On the issues

Academics and parental involvement: Ward said in our questionnaire: "On the School Board, I'd prioritize strong academics, parental involvement, early support for learning challenges, and career and technical education connected to local employers. I want students to graduate knowing how to think critically, communicate confidently, and pursue a meaningful future, whether through college, skilled trades, military service, or entrepreneurship."

School configurations and transportation: Asked about expanding K-8 and 6-12 school models, Ward said in our questionnaire: "Expanding K through 8 and grades 6 through 12 schools where appropriate could make better use of existing facilities, provide greater continuity for students, and help solve transportation challenges. … Every time a child changes schools, they're adjusting to new teachers, classmates, and routines. Fewer transitions can mean stronger relationships and more consistent academic support."

Differences from opponent: Ward said in our questionnaire: "My opponent has spent much of his career working within the education bureaucracy. Mine has been spent building businesses, raising a family, and working directly with the people who make our communities thrive. … A School Board member isn't elected to manage the district's daily operations. We're elected to represent the public, establish policy, oversee spending, and ask important questions."