Calling it, "One of the hardest messages I’ve ever had to share," Osceola County School Board District 3 member Anthony Cook announced at Tuesday's meeting that he will step down from his seat on the Board effective Jan. 19, 2026.
Since the next Board meeting is Jan. 20, Tuesday's meeting, the first in the Board's newly-renovated chambers, would be his last under this action.
"One of the greatest privileges of my life has been serving on the Osceola County School Board," he said at the conclusion of Tuesday's meeting. "I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me to represent his district and help shape the vision for our schools, which I've served in for over 20 years. After much reflection with a very heavy heart I've made the difficult decision to resign my position from the Osceola School Board.
"This was not an easy decision to come by and has been period of personal loss that has made it necessary to put my well-being and family first. I have further reached a point where, under the current circumstances, I do not believe I'm able to serve effectively.
Much like he said in his meeting comments, he said in the Facebook post he would not be commenting further, "Out of respect for my privacy and that of my loved ones, this decision was made after much deliberation and prayer ... I hope you’ll understand this decision comes from a place of care and necessity — not from a lack of love or commitment to this work or to this community."
Following Cook's meeting comments, Osceola School Superintendent Dr. Mark Shanoff called the announcement, "Tough for the team to process."
"We appreciate all of the service Mr. Cook has provided," Shanoff said. "His term to the Board and his lifetime of service to the District as an employee, it's a very difficult thing to hear about.
"In a year, Mr. Cook has taught me so much about what it means to be an effective leader, how tough decisions are sometimes the right decision albeit not always popular. In the darkest of days, who has your back when they check on you. That's my experience with Anthony Cook; there are thousands of people within our district that can speak to their own growth because of their relations with Mr. Cook. I'm so grateful for the leadership lessons you have taught me over the last year. Nobody was a better advocate for District 3."
"We have a great respect for those we serve with, and this is difficult but we want you to do what is best for your family," fellow Board member Terry Castillo said. "I wanted to recognize your lasting impression on our community that goes beyond the dais."
Board Chair Heather Kahoun said Cook was an integral part in a Board that "championed" for students and teachers.
"You come first as a person and a friend before you do a fellow School Board member. I appreciate your time on the Board," she said.
Cook won election in the 2024 primary in August with 55% of the vote in a three-way race.
