Meet District 4 Orange County School Board Candidates

PAM GOULD

Age: 53

Family: Husband, John; two sons, Gregory and Matthew

Experience: Orange County School Board District 4 member; chief development officer for the Health Research Institute and Trauma Center, Orlando Health; vice president of community relations, Health Central; president, Health Central Foundation; senior vice president, Island One Resorts

On standardized testing and Common Core:

What are your thoughts on students and teachers being assessed by a standardized test at the end of the year? Do you have any ideas on alternative forms of assessment?

Currently, the system is too complex to truly stay focused on the prize - each and every student achieving success. There is too much time taken away from education by measuring minutes and focusing on high-stakes tests rather than the outcomes of progress and performance. While we cannot change state law, we can work to streamline what we locally control and partner with the Legislative and Department of Education to create the best education environment in the country while closing achievement gaps and celebrating our finest educators. We are looking at options across the country to see if there is a better system to present to our state legislators and Governor.

What is your opinion on Common Core? What do you believe is an advantage of Common Core? What is a disadvantage?

A standardized curriculum has advantages especially in a county like ours that has a high mobility rate. When children transfer schools, every parent wants to know that their kids are not dramatically ahead or behind their peers and that they are learning the same content. I also believe we need to decrease the standardized testing curriculum and increase applied learning, where students are more engaged and use hands-on or blended learn to absorb and retain the information and be more successful. 

On technology in classrooms:

This year, technology is being implemented more into the student’s curriculum, with more devices such as laptops and tablets coming into the classroom. What are your thoughts on technology? How do you think it will affect student learning? Is there any other technology you would like to see in the classroom?

Technology is a tool to be used in an interactive blended learning environment. We have seen children become more engaged where the curriculum is delivered in a dynamic way with the technology complimenting the learning process. In order for all children to be competitive in the workforce, they need to master the digital age. This means we need to close the digital divide between the student that does not have access to the internet in their home or has not worked on a computer. That being said, we also need to engage kids through hands-on and outdoor experiences that build fine motor skills, creativity and collaboration. Balance is key. I would like to see us one day have kinetic energy charging stations so children can ride bikes or hand pedal to charge their devices. I would also like all of our classrooms to be more flexible so they can turn into learning labs.

Do you think greater use of technology potentially could have a harmful effect on learning? Why or why not?

As stated above it is necessary for our 21st Century workforce, but balance is essential.

Regarding Horizon West and other fast-growing areas in Orange County:

In Horizon West and Dr. Phillips, growth is occurring rapidly. Many schools are overcrowded. How do you plan to address overcrowding in schools?

Over the past four years, I have accelerated the opening of relief schools and I will continue to advocate for that while re-evaluating our criteria for high growth areas. In addition, I work closely with the County Commission and local municipalities to ensure we continue to coordinate and smooth out the planning processes.

In fast-growing areas, many residents consider growth to be outpacing schools as they aren’t built until after another is filled past capacity. Do you think it is necessary for a school to be filled past capacity before it is built? Why or why not? If not, what solutions do you propose? 

Budget is the real issue in opening a school too soon. Schools are funded based on enrolled students, if you open a school too far below capacity you may not have an art teacher, reading specialist, administrator, etc.. I do feel we need to adjust our criteria in fast growth areas. We never want to waste budget when we need schools across the district, but we can be more aggressive in areas such as ours. 

Residents with elementary students who live in fast-growing areas often face the challenge of their students being rezoned to new schools. For example, some families living in Horizon West have been moved to a new school every year for the past three years (Sunset Park, Independence, and Bay Lake). What are your thoughts on regular rezoning and how to propose to mitigate the effects rezoning has on families?

Rezonings in our area are primary because of growth. While this is difficult at times, most of the parents I have discussed this with understand that they have chosen a home in an area that is not built out and therefore will be affected by future changes. Whenever possible, I try to help each parent create the best situation for their child.

In high-growth areas, there are often labor shortages, which include teaching, faculty and other staff positions. How do you propose OCPS should attract the most qualified teachers to those areas?  

Across the country, there are the teacher and support staff shortages. In order to attract and keep the best we need to smooth out all the new systems (evaluation, Florida State Standards, testing) and continue to work toward a great, supportive working environment.

Personal questions:

What qualities or skills do you bring to the position?

My professional and civic involvement have kept me connected to the needs of our community.

Civic Organizations:

Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts Circle Executive Leadership, Team Go Red for Women, American Resort Development Association, Women in the Industry, Association of Fundraising Professionals, SHRM, Central Florida Women's League, Central Florida Women's League Foundation, Committee of 101, West Orange Chamber of Commerce, Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, Garden Theatre, Orlando Chamber of Commerce, West Orange Junior Service League, National Center for Simulation and Modeling, Association for Healthcare Philanthropy, Florida Hospital Association

Why are you the best candidate?  

My accomplishments and priorities include:

Increased skills training and the creation of more pathways for career readiness. We are now working with various industries to help with workforce shortages and ensure jobs for our career and college-bound graduates. 

Listening: I have created regular community based round table discussions with myself, as well as with Commissioner Boyd and state legislators like Representative Eisnaugle. This has given educators, our support staff and community the opportunity to come talk about what is important to them.

Fast tracking new schools to relieve overcrowding.

Creating opportunities for collaboration with public and private partners to make OCPS bring in outside resources for the benefit our classrooms, teachers, and students.

Personal information:

Age 53, city of residence Windermere, family Married to John Gould, my high school sweetheart and have two amazing, sons Gregory and Matthew and my Mom Ellie Boraski also lives with us , education Graduated from Cedar Crest College with BA.

Experience

I have served through board memberships and career choices. At Orlando Health, I was the Chief Development Officer for the Health Research Institute and Trauma Center. In 2000, I joined Health Central as the V.P. of Community Relations and the President of the Health Central Foundation. There I grew the annual revenue to support the School Nurse Program, medical services and fulfill capital needs. My duties included executive management and funding for the School Nurse Program and creation collaborations to provide healthcare for uninsured children.

In 2007, I joined Island One Resorts. As Senior Vice President, my responsibilities included: payroll, benefits, government relations, human resources, creative, communications, public relations, new product development, facilities management and business planning/forecasting. I was able to generate a 20% savings by establishing a new business model for the Human Resources Division and started the Island One Foundation. The Foundation partnered with Home At Last to build a handicap accessible home for a disabled veteran and supported education, medical research, school supplies and food drives.

I have had measurable success in for-profit and nonprofit environments. My focus is on creating bridges and engineering collaborations that affect change. My passion is creating unique solutions to education issues. 

Endorsements

WOPA; CFHLA; ABC; BUSINESSFORCE: GOBA; Mayor Teresa Jacobs; Mayor Gary Bruhn; Commissioner S. Scott Boyd; Commissioner Bob Buchanan

MICHELE WILMOT

Age: 49

Family: Married with two children

Experience: Educator for 18 years and a certified kindergarten-through-sixth-grade teacher; ESOL and ESE certification; Curriculum Team; member, FAC; board member, PTA board; member, Classroom Teachers Association Union

Standardized testing and Common Core:

What are your thoughts on students and teachers being assessed by a standardized test at the end of the year? Do you have any ideas on alternative forms of assessment? 

I believe standardized testing is appropriate when used properly. Unfortunately, this is not the case here in Florida. Testing should only be used to determine the needs of our students and areas of development. I do not feel that teachers, students or schools should have their success determined by the outcome of these tests.

What is your opinion on Common Core? What do you believe is an advantage of Common Core? What is a disadvantage? 

I am not opposed to having a common set of standards. However, I believe there are issues with Common Core being interpreted by each individual state. It is my understanding that Common Core was adopted in order to have a “common” set of standards throughout, but when each state interprets them differently that defeats the purpose.

For it to be successful, I believe that Common Core training would be beneficial for classroom teachers to ensure that it is done properly. As it stands, there is very little, if no training at all. There are positive aspects of Common Core like the connection it brings from grade to grade. A standard is developed from year to year, with kindergarten acting as the foundation. 

All that being said, I am not 100% on board due to its inconsistent implementation. 

Technology in the classroom:

This year, technology is being implemented more into the student’s curriculum, with more devices such as laptops and tablets coming into the classroom. What are your thoughts on technology? How do you think it will affect student learning? Is there any other technology you would like to see in the classroom?

I think technology in the classroom is a good thing; however, the schools must have the IT support to ensure that students are able to access the tools they need, such as online textbooks and educational programs. The human factor also plays an important role in the success or failure of any new program. Teachers must input grades and assignments in a timely manner and students must have parents who are technologically proficient to be able to assist at home. I would like to see all schools brought up to date with the current technology.

Do you think greater use of technology potentially could have a harmful effect on learning? Why or why not? 

I believe you cannot use technology for everything. There are areas that still demand pencil and paper, but as we move more and more towards a paperless society, it is important for children to know how to utilize the tools necessary for them to compete in the future. 

Fast growing areas in Orange County:

In Horizon West and Dr. Phillips, growth is occurring rapidly. Many schools are overcrowded. How do you plan to address overcrowding in schools? In fast-growing areas, many residents consider growth to be outpacing schools, as schools aren’t built until after another is filled past capacity. Do you think it is necessary for a school to be filled past capacity before it is built? Why or why not? If not, what solutions do you propose? 

I believe the Board may need to adjust the formula they use to determine when a new school must be built. It shouldn’t surprise anybody when a school hits a saturation point. They should be able to get ahead of the problem by anticipating when new schools are needed. They should be able to project population increases by how many apartment units are being built and home pre-sales. 

Residents with elementary students who live in fast-growing areas often face the challenge of their students being rezoned to new schools. For example, some families living in Horizon West have been moved to a new school every year for the past three years (Sunset Park, Independence and Bay Lake). What are your thoughts on regular rezoning and how to propose to mitigate the effects rezoning has on families? 

I believe there should be a limit to the frequency of which a neighborhood should be affected by a rezoning. School should also be about communities and not just curriculum.

In high-growth areas, there are often labor shortages, which include teaching, faculty and other staff positions. How do you propose OCPS should attract the most qualified teachers to those areas?

Not answered

Personal questions:

I believe I am the best candidate for this job because I have been a certified teacher for over 18 years. I am the only candidate that has practical experience in the classroom, and knows first hand, how the Board’s decisions affect students and teachers. 

Age: 49

Residence: Ocoee, FL

Family: Married with two children

Education: Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Central Florida.

Endorsements: Orange County Classroom Teachers Association, Orange Education Support Professionals Association, and the Central Florida AFL-CIO.