Mollyana Ward, a local businesswoman and mother, will run for Pasco County School Board[1] in District 3 to succeed incumbent Cynthia Armstrong.
Armstrong, who was first elected in 2010, is not seeking re-election.
“Our school system needs leaders who aren’t satisfied with the status quo and will fight to provide parents and students with every tool necessary to ensure they receive a world-class education in a safe and secure environment,” Ward said in a campaign announcement. “I’m running for the School Board to ensure that our schools are preparing students for the future — whether that’s college, trades, or the workforce.”
Ward said her campaign platform centers on making “Pasco schools a place where every student can thrive” and parents and grandparents have a voice.
“I’m looking forward to our campaign and sharing our vision for the future. A vision that values parental choice, strengthens community connections, ensures school safety, and builds strong partnerships that help create fulfilling careers,” Ward said.
Ward is a licensed Realtor and a former broker/owner. She currently partners with LPT Realty to mentor and grow a high-performing real estate team. She also serves as Chief Strategy Officer for Icemann Development, where she leads community and sports-centric projects across the state.
Ward also owns RAW Space Collaborative, a coworking space in Wesley Chapel — the first of its kind — created to empower small businesses, startups and other creatives.
Ward homeschooled her three sons, a decision she said she made after seeing gaps in the school system. Her sons later graduated from Pasco County public high schools. Both experiences would give her a unique perspective as a School Board member, she said.
When Ward’s sons were in school, she also owned and operated an accredited child care facility, which earned the state’s Gold Seal of Excellence. She also served as President of the Central Florida Association for Family Child Care when she was only 21 years old.
Additionally, Ward directed children’s and youth ministries at her local church and chaired the Women of Wesley Chapel program for the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce. She currently chairs the Women of Wesley Chapel program for the Chamber and as a director for Bridging Freedom.
Ward lost her husband of 25 years in 2019 to brain cancer, raising her family and growing her business alone until remarrying to Gordie Zimmerman. The two are now raising a blended family of five boys.
Ward also has six grandchildren.
Other candidates in the race include Kirk Phillips and Erin Stroupe.
References
- ^ Pasco County School Board (www.pasco.k12.fl.us)