MEET THE CANDIDATES: Orange County School Board District 4

Two candidates — Anne Douglas and Kyle Goudy — are vying for the Orange County School Board District 4 seat. 

The general election will be held Nov. 5. Meet the candidates in our exclusive Q&A.

ANNE DOUGLAS

Age: 59

Residence: Orlando

Family: Married with three children

Education: Master’s degree

Profession: High school teacher

Qualifications: Educator, hospital and church volunteer, school beautification

What are the three major differences between you and your opponent?

I have 25 years of experience as a classroom teacher, I am a mother of three children who attended OCPS from kindergarten through graduation, and I strongly believe in public education. I am strongly against arming teachers and disbanding the Department of Education.

How will students in West Orange and Southwest Orange schools benefit from your presence on the School Board?

I am coming directly from the classroom. I understand firsthand how School Board policies impact students day-to-day in schools. I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t, and I’ll keep those real-world effects in mind with every vote I cast. My goal is to ensure that our policies support students, teachers and parents effectively, making decisions that lead to positive outcomes for our classrooms.

If elected to replace Pam Gould, what changes will parents see from their representative on the School Board?

Pam Gould has done a great job as a School Board member. However, we still have work to do to improve our schools and ensure every child has access to a high-quality education. We must continue to address issues, such as teacher shortages, classroom resources, mental health support and school safety while promoting a culture of inclusion and respect for all students. By building on Pam’s successes and pushing for further improvements, we can create a better future for our students and community.

Although Orange County School Board positions are supposed to be non-partisan, there is a clear divide politically between you and your opponent. Discuss this and explain how these differences will manifest in your work on the School Board.

I wish politics played less of a role in School Board races, and I urge everyone to vote no on Amendment 1. I think the political divide isn’t partisan as much as it is pro-public education versus not supporting public education. For example, my opponent supports vouchers, which take $4 billion of taxpayer money to give to private schools. I support a parent’s right to choose to send their student to a private school, but I don’t think that taxpayers should pay for that. More than 80% of parents choose public schools for their students, and all those parents want the same thing: They want their students to be welcomed and valued at school while receiving an education that gives them opportunities for the future. We should respect and fund those choices.

Describe your vision for the future of public education in West Orange and Southwest Orange.

My vision of public education is that we have strong public schools that welcome all students. To do that, we need to partner with educators, students, families, businesses, nonprofits and community members to ensure our students are safe in school and are provided opportunities to learn in a positive environment.

You have cited financial challenges as a pressing issue for Orange County Public Schools. What specific aspects of the budget need the most work and why?

Florida consistently ranks in the bottom 10% for public-education funding, and we are second-to-last in teacher pay. This leaves OCPS with its hands tied when it comes to paying teachers a livable wage, providing ample opportunities for students and covering operational costs. OCPS has done a remarkable job of cutting overhead, boasting the lowest administrative costs for a large school district in Florida. However, given the current funding constraints, my priority will always be to invest in certified teachers over expensive computer programs. Our students deserve well-qualified, supported educators who can make a lasting impact in the classroom.

 The term “book banning” has been somewhat of a lightning rod topic — especially in public education. What does this term mean to you and evaluate how it is impacting Orange County students.

I am a reading teacher, but I have no classroom library for my students, because I live in fear I will lose my teaching certificate and be sued if I have the wrong book in my classroom. It’s hard to teach in these circumstances; imagine that you’re a student in that kind of learning environment. The School Board needs to support our teachers so that we don’t teach in fear.  

You have focused much of your campaign on the topic of equitable access to quality education. Discuss this topic and describe specific ways you would address this.

Our current public education climate is having a hidden but devastating impact on our most at-risk students. When vague laws are passed regarding book bans, it creates a culture of fear that leads to the removal of books from schools. Students from wealthier families can still access a wide range of books, because they have the financial means to purchase them. However, students from low-income families are the ones who suffer most when these books are banned from schools. I believe that all students, regardless of their background, should have access to every resource and educational opportunity available. Removing books or restricting access harms those who need it most, and that’s unacceptable.

KYLE GOUDY

Age: 33

Residence: Dr. Phillips

Family: Wife, Brittany McDonald Goudy, and daughter, LilliAnn

Education: Bachelor degree from Ohio University’s Patton College of Education

Profession: Business development at NBCUniversal — GolfNow

Qualifications: AAU Cares, Feeding Children Everywhere, The Verb Kind, Roger Goudy Scholarship

What are the three major differences between you and your opponent?

I bring a unique combination of education and business experience to the table, which gives me a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively manage our School Board’s resources and support all our students and staff. My background allows me to approach challenges with both educational insight and practical business strategies, ensuring we can improve our schools while being fiscally responsible.

I deeply respect the hard work and dedication of our teachers, and I have met with more than 150 educators to ensure I understand the challenges they face in the classroom. However, serving on the School Board requires a different skill set — one that focuses on policy making, budgeting and strategic planning to support our educators effectively. By bringing a strong understanding of both the educational landscape and the administrative skills necessary for school governance, I can advocate for our teachers while ensuring that our policies align with their needs.

I have written a detailed plan for our School Board that addresses key issues, such as improving reading proficiency, budget management, school safety and transportation challenges. This plan reflects extensive research and input from educators, parents and community members. 

I’ve noticed my opponent’s website has brief comments on the issues and lacks the depth necessary to tackle the challenges we face. While short answers can be appealing, it’s important we have a detailed strategy to ensure effective governance.

Below is the word count for our respective pages outlining our ideas to tackle the issues facing our schools: 

Anne Douglas: 164

Kyle Roger Goudy: 1,047 

How will students in West Orange and Southwest Orange schools’ benefit from your presence on the School Board?

My active involvement in the community and schools allows me to stay connected to the needs and concerns of students and their families. By engaging with parents, educators and local organizations, I can better understand the challenges our students face and advocate for the resources they need to succeed.

This hands-on approach ensures I’m not just a voice for change but a partner in creating a supportive and enriching environment for our students. When leaders are actively present in the community, it fosters collaboration and trust, ultimately benefiting our children’s education and well-being.

If elected to replace Pam Gould, what changes will parents see from their representative on the School Board?

First, I would like to commend Pam Gould for her exceptional service to our community. Pam has done an outstanding job of increasing certification opportunities through career and technical education schools, equipping students with valuable skills for their future careers.

We have heard from community members there is an opportunity to be more effective communicators. While this is not directed at Pam, but rather at the School Board as a whole, we will try to ensure communications are responded to within 24 hours. Community members can expect to hear back from us quickly when they reach out with their concerns.

Although Orange County School Board positions are supposed to be non-partisan, there is a clear divide politically between you and your opponent. Discuss this and explain how these differences will manifest in your work on the School Board.

The two political parties involved in our School Board race have handled their marketing very differently. One party has focused on providing a voter guide that recommends candidates based on their qualifications and vision for our schools. In contrast, the other has resorted to sending out misleading and negative attacks that are, at best, questionable and, at worst, dishonest.

People are tired of partisan politics, especially when it comes to our schools, which should be a place for collaboration and community support. We need to prioritize honest communication and work together for the benefit of our students and families. I am dedicated to keeping partisan politics out of our schools. My focus will be on fostering a collaborative environment where educators, parents and community members work together to support our students’ needs. Our schools should be a place for learning and growth, free from political agendas. I will prioritize the best interests of our children and ensure decisions are made based on what truly benefits their education and well-being.

Describe your vision for the future of public education in West Orange and Southwest Orange.

Public education is at a crossroads, and it’s essential that we adapt our approach to prioritize the best interests of our children. We must recognize the evolving needs of students and create an environment that supports their success. I am focused on addressing the critical issues facing our schools today, such as improving reading proficiency, on-time busing, school safety and responsible budget management. With a comprehensive plan in place (which can be found at GoGoudy.com), I am committed to implementing solutions that enhance educational outcomes, support teachers and engage families. Together, we can ensure a brighter future for our students.

You have cited financial challenges as a pressing issue for Orange County Public Schools. What specific aspects of the budget need the most work and why?

Transparent budgeting: I will advocate for a transparent budgeting process where community members can see how funds are allocated and where they are being spent. This transparency will foster accountability.

Regular audits: Conduct regular financial audits to evaluate spending and identify areas where resources can be better utilized. Independent audits can help ensure funds are used effectively.

Stakeholder input: Involve educators, parents and community members in the decision-making process for projects. Their insights can help prioritize initiatives that truly benefit schools.

Focus on evidence-based programs: Invest in programs and projects that are backed by research and proven to deliver positive outcomes for students, ensuring that expenditures directly support educational goals.

Monitor and evaluate outcomes: Establish clear metrics for evaluating the success of funded projects. If a project does not meet its intended goals, reassess and redirect resources to more effective initiatives.

Long-term planning: Encourage strategic, long-term planning that considers the future needs of the school community, rather than short-term fixes that may not provide lasting benefits.

The term “book banning” has been somewhat of a lightning rod topic — especially in public education. What does this term mean to you and evaluate how it is impacting Orange County students.

Our focus should be on improving reading proficiency rather than banning books. Encouraging a love for reading and providing access to a diverse range of materials is essential for developing critical-thinking skills and fostering a lifelong passion for learning.

It’s also important to ensure students have access to age-appropriate material. Our media center specialists are trained professionals who understand the developmental needs of students and can guide them to suitable resources. 

Your opponent has focused much of her campaign on the topic of equitable access to quality education. Is this a problem in Orange County Public Schools? Why or why not?

Orange County is home to a diverse array of schools, reflecting the rich variety of our community. We must ensure all students, regardless of their circumstances, are set up for success by providing the necessary resources, support and opportunities to thrive in their education and beyond. While celebrating this diversity, it’s crucial we remain focused on ensuring proficiency for all students in core subjects, such as math, reading and science. 

We also need to ensure all students are aware of the career and technical opportunities available through OCPS. By promoting these programs, we can help students explore various pathways that align with their interests and prepare them for successful futures. These foundational areas are essential for equipping all our students with the skills they need to succeed in an increasingly complex world. 

Below are some specific things that we could do better:

Expanding meal programs for students during the summer is crucial to ensuring all children have access to nutritious food when school is not in session. Many families rely on school meals during the academic year, and the summer months can pose significant food insecurity challenges. By providing consistent meal options, we can support the health and well-being of our students, helping them to return to school ready to learn and thrive.

In our diverse district, it’s essential for our schools to communicate with families in their native languages to foster inclusivity and engagement. We can achieve this by utilizing translation services for newsletters, announcements and important documents, ensuring all families understand information.