Two candidates apiece are vying to succeed School Board members Terry Castillo and Jolene Shieve, who are not running for re-election. These two-way races will appear on the Aug. 18 primary ballot, regardless of any party affiliation, of all District 1 and 3 registered voters, and will be decided in the primary, making it essential for voters turn out and decide 40% of the School Board's decision makers.
The questions below are based on voter questions and expressed priorities. Each of the candidates within a race were asked the same questions and given the same amount of time to respond. The candidates' answers were fact checked and only edited for space considerations.
District 1
Greg Filak
Age: 48
Residence: Celebration
Political Background: Celebration Community Development District, 2020-current, currently chairman
Local board/agency background: Osceola County School District – Business Advisory Board, School Resource Officer (SRO) Task Force, Celebration Community Athletics
Why do you deserve to be elected to the open seat in this race? I have a 30-year record of public service going back to 17 years as a volunteer fireman and EMT starting in high school, as a police officer for 5 years, as a supervisor and Chairman of Celebration’s town board, as the Vice Chair of Osceola County school district’s Business Advisory Board and as a community volunteer for the past 15 years in Osceola County as a youth sports coach and Cub Scout leader. Osceola deserves a School Board member who is a demonstrated community leader who can build consensus without controversy nor ethics violations. I have endorsements from Osceola’ teacher’s union, current District 1 Vice Chair Terry Castillo and other community leaders. I have shown that I can bring together different people from varying viewpoints to focus on what is most important: our students and our children.
What do you feel are the Osceola School District’s three most pressing problems and give a brief explanation of how you’d advocate they’d be solved:
Osceola’s massive growth, levying more needs on the school district with higher student populations, diverse languages and student needs: The board needs leaders who can tackle tomorrow’s challenges, set strategic visions and organizational accountability for the realities of where Osceola is today and is headed tomorrow, and who have the trust of the community based on demonstrated level-headed leadership. I’m that future-looking leader. As a young parent I’m living today’s challenges and opportunities in Osceola’s public education system.
Safety and security in our schools: I understand the vital importance of School Resource Officers (SRO) in each school and was requested to be a part of the Osceola’s SRO Task Force in 2021 to retain our deputies when the prior sheriff was planning to remove SROs from Osceola’s schools. We need to guarantee our SRO partnerships and expand their capabilities with the use of technology around our campuses.
Rapidly-changing requirements for joining the workforce: Osceola must continue to expand its Career Technical Education programs for hands-on training, industry certifications, mentorships, networking, and pathways to employment for our students who want to enter the workforce immediately after graduation. Local partnerships in hospitality and the trades are a good start, but we must expand to other regions and opportunities for our students outside of Central Florida. We must also measure objective feedback after graduation to ensure the education and training provided is meaningful and aligned to the needs of employers.
Please vote yes or no on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position: As a homeowner who pays property taxes, and as a current board member of a government taxing authority in a Development District where I voted “no” on two years of increases, I understand the burden that the multiple layers of government impose on all of us as residents and citizens. As a business executive, I recognize a government is not a business and does not exist to make money, but also I recognize budgets need to be responsible and instill confidence with taxpayers to know that necessary services will be provided. I believe in Florida’s long history of Home Rule which bestows important decisions on local services down to local governments, where elected leaders have the best awareness of the community’s needs. I cannot support sweeping changes to local tax rules implemented exclusively by a few officials in Tallahassee from all over Florida who do not know Osceola’s needs, challenges, and opportunities. Osceola’s voters are smart enough, vocal enough, and strong enough to make our own decisions on what our funding priorities should be.
Should you be elected, what would your initial message to students’ parents and guardians from the dais?
Osceola’s students and schools have new challenges and new opportunities from where we have been in the past years. As a current town board leader in Celebration and the Vice Chairman of the Osceola School District’s Business Advisory Board, I have established relationships within and around the school district, and the knowledge to lead our school board on behalf of the larger West Osceola community. I live the “highs” and the “lows” of what is happening inside Osceola’s classrooms every day. As I do on my various community boards, as well as in my daily job as an executive at a Fortune 500 company, I will ensure accountability for the District’s actions, strategic vision, use of tax dollars, and how we spend each day ensure every one of our students is receiving the best education we can provide. I will govern with humility and maturity, not as past District 1 board members who have disgraced their office with ethics violations and combative showmanship. Our students, our teachers, and our communities deserve better.
Jay Wheeler
Age: 67
Residence: Kissimmee
Political background: School Board District 1, 2002-18
Local board/agency background: Osceola County Value Adjustment Board, Library Advisory Board, County Commission District 1 Advisory Board, Boys and Girls Club Board of Directors, Osceola Council on Aging Board, Celebration Foundation Board, Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber of Commerce Board, CFHLA Adopt a School Board
Why do you deserve to be elected to the open seat in this race? I do not need on the job training and can hit the ground running with a proven track record of accomplishments. I am dialed into student, employee, and community needs laid out below with specific challenges along with how to turn those challenges into successes.
When first elected in 2002 Osceola only had two schools with an A or B grade, when I left all our schools were an A or a B School. I held charter schools accountable for performance or cancelled their charter. New HS Arts and Athletics programs were started and expanded.
In 2002 we had just under 40,000 students. When I left in 2018, we had just over 60,000 students. I 100% understand growth management, 11 new schools opened while I served on the school board.
What do you feel are the Osceola School District’s three most pressing problems and give a brief explanation of how you’d advocate they’d be solved:
Expanding career and technical education: The only way to expand these opportunities is to develop a public private partnership with businesses to provide instructors who are on that businesses payroll to develop a pipeline of skilled workers they can hire into an apprenticeship. I have engaged Trane Corporation and Osceola Schools’ CTE director to look at starting a pilot program. As a school district we would provide the students and the space. Public school districts cannot pay market rate to get these instructors, who would have to take at least a 50% pay cut to be a public-school employee.
Max out VPK enrollments and expand VPK capacity: The lowest hanging fruit to improve public education the fastest: students who start Kindergarten having already attended VPK are exponentially better prepared. Engage local pediatrician/family practice physicians who see all these students and get them to advocate for VPK just like they advocate for healthy diet/lifestyle. I am 100% certain I can get to the doctors and get this done.
Increase student participation in after school activities: Students involved with after school activities do better in school, and are happier. The problem for most is transportation. When I was on the School Board I worked with Lynx to change some bus routes for a 5:30 p.m. detour on school days to Celebration and Poinciana High Schools. Sadly this “activity bus” program is no longer in place. I’d get on this right away.
Please vote yes or no on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position: No.
This is a bait-and-switch PR move by the Governor. Currently homeowners with homestead exemptions have protections from jumbo tax increases. If property taxes go away, it will surely spawn new programs with fees that will have no protections from increases similar to homestead. Plus, the state will place new restrictions on money it gives out, and many municipal agencies will lose local control. In Osceola it will force the county to cut the Osceola Prosper college scholarship program, that will result in a double- digit college matriculation rate declines. The School Resource Officer program will be scaled back and probably have very severe cuts.
Should you be elected, what would your initial message to students’ parents and guardians from the dais?
To employees, thank you for choosing a career helping our kids succeed. I know how hard you all work; from bus drivers and cafeteria workers all the way up to the District
Administrative team. My primary mission on your behalf is to get you a break on what you spend for benefits. We are all in this together. A lot will be expected from you; in return you can count on me to give both students and employees my best effort every day. Fortunately, I am not easily discouraged, especially when I know I am right.
District 3
Alyssa Noel
Age: 38
Residence: Kissimmee
Political Background: first campaign
Local board/agency background: Chair of the Bellalago Academy School Advisory Council, Osceola County School District's School Safety Committee
Why do you deserve to be elected to the open seat in this race? I am not running to learn about our schools. I have already been serving them. As a member of those boards and a parent, former mental health professional, and longtime community advocate, I have spent years listening to families, supporting students, and working alongside educators. When I saw gaps, I took action, starting literacy and history initiatives to encourage learning outside of the classroom. I understand both the opportunities and challenges facing Osceola County Schools because I have seen them firsthand. My background in mental health has given me a unique understanding of the challenges students and families face both inside and outside the classroom, while my service in our schools has shown me the importance of trust, accountability, and collaboration.
I am running to help restore trust in our public schools, strengthen accountability, and ensure decisions are guided by what is best for students.
What do you feel are the Osceola School District’s three most pressing problems and give a brief explanation of how you’d advocate they’d be solved.
Declining Enrollment: Every student who leaves our district represents a family that has lost confidence in something. Families want to know their children are safe, challenged academically, and being prepared for the future. I would advocate for greater transparency, stronger parent engagement, and regular opportunities for families to provide meaningful feedback. We must rebuild trust by listening to parents, communicating clearly, and demonstrating that their concerns matter. When families trust their schools, they are more likely to stay invested in public education.
Fiscal Accountability and Long-Term Financial Planning: As enrollment changes and funding pressures continue, we must prioritize proactive planning that allows the district to respond effectively to future needs. I would advocate for greater transparency around budget decisions, long-range financial planning, and regular evaluation of district priorities to ensure resources are aligned with student needs. Our community deserves confidence that taxpayer dollars are being managed responsibly while protecting the programs and services that have the greatest impact on students.
School Safety and Student Well-Being: We must continue building on the foundation of significant investments in school safety, but it is not a one-time achievement; it requires ongoing attention, collaboration, and adaptation to new challenges. I would support continued investment in safety training, strong partnerships between schools, families, and law enforcement, and resources that support students' emotional well-being.
Please vote yes or no on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position: No.
While property tax relief is important for many families, public schools rely heavily on local funding to provide essential services and educational opportunities. Before reducing a major source of school funding, there must be a clear, sustainable plan to ensure students, teachers, and schools are not negatively impacted.
Should you be elected, what would your initial message to students’ parents and guardians from the dais? I see you, I hear you, and your voice matters.
Whether you have been involved for years or are just beginning to engage with your child's school, you deserve transparency, respect, and a seat at the table. I will work every day to earn your trust and ensure that decisions are made with students at the center.
I will approach every decision with one question in mind: "How does this impact students and families?" If we keep that focus, we can strengthen confidence in our schools and create better outcomes for the children we serve.
Natalie Guzman
Age: 40
Residence: Kissimmee
Political Background: first campaign
Local board/agency background: None provided
Why do you deserve to be elected to the open seat in this race? I bring the perspective of a parent, business owner, and active member of our community. I understand that every decision made by the School Board affects real families, our children’s futures, our teachers, and the growth of Osceola County. As a business owner, I know the importance of financial responsibility, accountability, budgeting, and making decisions that create long-term success. I believe those same principles should be reflected in education — from how we manage resources to how we prepare our students for life beyond graduation.
As a parent, I understand families want to feel heard and confident that their children are receiving a quality education in a safe and supportive environment. My goal is to bring a fresh perspective, collaborate, listen to all sides, and strengthen the partnership between schools, parents, teachers, and our community while focusing on preparing students academically and practically for their future.
What do you feel are the Osceola School District’s three most pressing problems and how would you advocate they be solved?
Preparing Students for Financial Literacy & Career Readiness After Graduation: Education should prepare students not only to pass a test, but to succeed in life. Financial literacy is one of the most important life skills we can provide. Every student should have a strong understanding budgeting, credit, saving, entrepreneurship, responsible financial decisions, and planning for their future. I would advocate for expanding opportunities that connect education to real-life success, including financial literacy, career and technical education, entrepreneurship, trade opportunities, college readiness, and partnerships with local businesses. I am currently working on community partnerships with financial institutions to host financial literacy workshops. This will not tap into the boards budget, so that everyone can see the value, while we work on getting it mandated so that every student takes the course before graduation.
School Safety, Student Well-Being & Parent Engagement: Students cannot reach their full potential unless they feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. School safety must remain a top priority —safe campuses, preventative measures, communication, and ensure schools have the resources to protect students and staff. Parents and guardians are essential partners in education. I would advocate for stronger communication between schools and families because when parents, teachers, and communities work together, our students benefit. Expanding and making mental health more accessible will ensure our schools remain safe.
Teacher Retention & Support: We must make sure our teachers and staff feel valued, respected, and equipped with the tools they need inside the classroom. I would advocate for open communication with educators, reviewing where resources are being allocated, reducing unnecessary burdens, and prioritizing decisions that allow teachers to focus on what matters most — educating and inspiring our students.
Please vote yes or no on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position.
At this time, I would need to review the final language of the amendment before committing to a vote because the details matter. School taxes are exempt for the constitutional amendment increasing the homestead exemption. As a homeowner, I understand the financial pressure families are facing. Rising costs have impacted many households, and I support finding responsible ways to provide relief and ensure taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently. But as a School Board member, my responsibility would be to understand how any changes impact school funding, safety, classroom resources, teachers, staff, and our students.
Should you be elected, what would your initial message to students’ parents and guardians from the dais?
Your voice matters, and you have a seat at the table. We get this done together! Parents are a child’s first teachers, and strong schools require strong partnerships between families, educators, and the community. My commitment is to encourage communication, transparency, safety, and decisions that always put students first. Together, we can build schools where our children are safe, supported, and prepared not just for graduation but for life.
