Matthew Geiger is running for Pasco County School Board District 3 in the Nov. 3 general election. The nonpartisan race is a runoff between Geiger and Mollyana Ward after neither won an outright majority in the Aug. 18 primary. Geiger finished first with 29% of the vote, and Ward placed second with 21%, according to Ballotpedia.

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."

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 holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and finance from La Roche University (1996), a master of education in educational psychology from Slippery Rock University (2001) and a master's degree in educational leadership from California University of Pennsylvania (2007), according to Neighborhood News and his questionnaire responses.

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

Experience and public service

Geiger was born in Pennsylvania, according to Ballotpedia. He is a Pasco County parent, according to WUSF.

Asked about his work history in our questionnaire, Geiger listed roles including "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," and "St Leo University 2026 - Present - Educational Consultant to the President."

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." He added, "Most importantly, I understand that effective School Board leadership requires listening, asking the right questions, understanding the facts, and making independent, responsible decisions."

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: Asked about critical differences between himself and other candidates, Geiger said in our questionnaire, "am a 30-year educator with extensive experience in education, leadership, and student services." He listed priorities including "A Path to Better Teacher Pay," "Workforce Partnerships," "Character Education," and "Opportunity Hubs" described as "community-based locations where families can access guidance and support during evening hours."

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

Teacher housing proposal withdrawn: Asked about his proposal to build district-owned affordable housing for teachers, Geiger said in our questionnaire, "I have withdrawn this concept after hearing from the Pasco County residence." He added, "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."

School overcrowding: Geiger's campaign website says he supports reducing overcrowding through honest capacity data, early school construction and boundary decisions, and relief for the most burdened campuses.

Fiscal accountability: Geiger's campaign website says he supports cutting central office waste, directing more funding to classrooms and teacher salaries, and ensuring taxpayers can see where money goes.