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, a Wesley Chapel business owner, said in our 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."

She added: "As a mother, grandmother and businesswoman, I want to support teachers, respect parents, expand career education and be a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars."

Candidate information

Party affiliation: Ward identified herself as Republican in our questionnaire, noting: "While the Pasco County School Board is a nonpartisan office, my values reflect a commitment to parental rights, fiscal responsibility, individual liberty, and educational excellence."

Family: "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."

Education: "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."

Experience and public service

Ward said in our questionnaire that she "owned and operated Molly's Corner, a Gold Seal childcare business, and served as president of the Central Florida Association for Family Child Care." She has no prior elected office.

She said: "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," a coworking space in Wesley Chapel.

Ward said she "previously served … as a Director of Florida Realtors in 2025" and serves "on the Board of Directors for Bridging Freedom, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping survivors of child sex trafficking."

She also listed volunteer roles including advisor to the office of Congressman Gus Bilirakis and Pasco County Schools and past chair of Women of Wesley Chapel at the North Tampa Bay Chamber, according to her campaign website.

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: "I believe we should take a fresh look at how our schools are organized, especially as some parts of Pasco grow rapidly while others face declining enrollment. 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."

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. … We're elected to represent the public, establish policy, oversee spending, and ask important questions."