Seminole County School Board
School board elections are nonpartisan. Eligible voters may vote in the school board races appearing on their ballot, regardless of the voter’s party affiliation.
This guide includes all candidates in contested races. All were invited to participate; candidates who did not submit responses by the deadline are marked “Did not respond.” Incumbents are marked with an (i), and candidates are listed alphabetically by last name within each race.
Find the full school board candidate questionnaire here.
Inclusion in this guide does not constitute an endorsement.
Click the plus sign (+) to show the candidate’s responses.
District 1
Kristine Kraus (i)
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“Current school board member (2018-pres.) & 25+ yr volunteer on PTA, SAC, & district committees.”
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1. Voucher Expansion: Do you support or oppose the continued expansion of public funding for private school vouchers and education savings accounts in Florida?
Answer: Oppose
“Tax dollars should not be used to fund for profit schools who don't have same accountability as public schools.”
2. Chaplain Program: Do you support or oppose a volunteer school chaplain program in your school district?
Answer: Oppose
“The public school district supports our professional counselors without the influence of religion. I agree with continuing this and expanding mental health counselors.”
3. Library Materials Accessibility: Do you support or oppose a local school board policy that prioritizes keeping challenged library books accessible to students while a formal review is conducted, unless the material must be removed under state law?
Answer: Neutral
“If the challenge is age appropriateness - it should be removed until formally reviewed, otherwise we follow the state laws.”
4. Religious Displays in Public Schools: Do you support or oppose allowing school-sponsored religious displays, such as the Ten Commandments, Bible verses, crosses, or other devotional materials, in classrooms or school buildings beyond what state law requires or what is used in a neutral curriculum context?
Answer: Oppose
“Unless used in the curriculum, religious displays do not belong in classrooms and fail to enhance decor. We hear claims of indoctrination repeatedly, but static displays serve no educational purpose.”
5. Comprehensive Reproductive Health Curriculum: Do you support or oppose comprehensive reproductive health curriculum that includes medically accurate information on disease prevention and contraception alongside required abstinence instruction?
Answer: Support
“As a School Board Member, we must follow state laws, which currently do not allow discussions about contraceptiion. We engage our dept. of health in developing curriculum that is age appropriate..”
6. Expanding Release Time for Religious Instruction: Do you support or oppose local school board policies that expand or facilitate “release time” programs for off-campus religious instruction during the regular school day beyond what is required by state law?
Answer: Oppose
“Religious instruction belongs outside school hours. As board members, we must uphold the law. I support minimizing off-campus time to prevent any disruption to core academic instruction.”
7. Restricting Staff-led Prayer and Religious Expression: Do you support or oppose local school board policies that restrict staff-led prayer or staff participation in prayer with students during regular school hours and school-sanctioned activities?
Answer: Support
“Staff-led prayer risks undue influence. Teachers must remain neutral. For students wanting to participate, we have student-led clubs like the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.”
8. Is there anything else you would like voters to know?
“I fully support a student and parents right to parctice their religious beliefs, however it must not impact student learning in public schools. Religious clubs and activities must be student led and not interfere with core class time.”
Antonio Pizza
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“My name is Antonio Pizza, I recently graduated from Paul J. Hagerty High School class of 2025.”
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1. Voucher Expansion: Do you support or oppose the continued expansion of public funding for private school vouchers and education savings accounts in Florida?Answer: Neutral
“I believe the voucher program is not going away. Instead of complaining about it, we need to compete with it by uplifting our school system.”
2. Chaplain Program: Do you support or oppose a volunteer school chaplain program in your school district?
Answer: Support
“I believe the more options available to students, the better. Some students will connect more with religious chaplains, so why not give them that opportunity?”
3. Library Materials Accessibility: Do you support or oppose a local school board policy that prioritizes keeping challenged library books accessible to students while a formal review is conducted, unless the material must be removed under state law?
Answer: Oppose
“If there is a concern over a book, the responsible path is to remove it during the review. We should encourage trips to the local library to get every student a library card.”
4. Religious Displays in Public Schools: Do you support or oppose allowing school-sponsored religious displays, such as the Ten Commandments, Bible verses, crosses, or other devotional materials, in classrooms or school buildings beyond what state law requires or what is used in a neutral curriculum context?
Answer: Oppose
“While I agree that students have every right to practice and express their religion, I do not think schools should sponsor religious displays.”
5. Comprehensive Reproductive Health Curriculum: Do you support or oppose comprehensive reproductive health curriculum that includes medically accurate information on disease prevention and contraception alongside required abstinence instruction?
Answer: Support
“I firmly believe this is an important topic, but it should be optional and left to the parents' discretion. They should have the opportunity to review the curriculum before deciding.”
6. Expanding Release Time for Religious Instruction: Do you support or oppose local school board policies that expand or facilitate “release time” programs for off-campus religious instruction during the regular school day beyond what is required by state law?
Answer: Oppose
“I believe this needs to be done on a case-by-case basis. If a student misses a day for religious observation, they should be required to make up the classwork.”
7. Restricting Staff-led Prayer and Religious Expression: Do you support or oppose local school board policies that restrict staff-led prayer or staff participation in prayer with students during regular school hours and school-sanctioned activities?
Answer: Support
“Frist amendment right allows staff to participate in these prayers. I do not believe that they should force students to do it, but if they want to join or do they own as a staff that is their right.”
8. Is there anything else you would like voters to know?
“The current school board put us $17 million in debt, lacks transparency, fired over 800 teachers and staff, and targets families with IEPs. I will never stop fighting for our students, parents, and teachers to deliver a better education to the next generation.”
District 2
Joshua Memminger
Did Not Respond
Holton Mills
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“SCPS graduate, former SCPS employee, former Foundation Chair, nonprofit board leader.”
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1. Voucher Expansion: Do you support or oppose the continued expansion of public funding for private school vouchers and education savings accounts in Florida?
Answer: Oppose
“I respect parent choice but Florida must also fully support public schools. My focus is making SCPS the best choice by expanding opportunities and investing in students and teachers.”
2. Chaplain Program: Do you support or oppose a volunteer school chaplain program in your school district?
Answer: Neutral
“I would review the program carefully, listen to parents, educators, and the community, and ensure any decision complies with state law while serving the best interests of students.”
3. Library Materials Accessibility: Do you support or oppose a local school board policy that prioritizes keeping challenged library books accessible to students while a formal review is conducted, unless the material must be removed under state law?
Answer: Support
“I support following Florida law and a transparent review process. Materials should remain available during review unless state law requires their removal.”
4. Religious Displays in Public Schools: Do you support or oppose allowing school-sponsored religious displays, such as the Ten Commandments, Bible verses, crosses, or other devotional materials, in classrooms or school buildings beyond what state law requires or what is used in a neutral curriculum context?
Answer: Neutral
“I will follow state and federal law. My role is to ensure district policies comply with legal requirements while respecting the rights of all students and families.”
5. Comprehensive Reproductive Health Curriculum: Do you support or oppose comprehensive reproductive health curriculum that includes medically accurate information on disease prevention and contraception alongside required abstinence instruction?
Answer: Support
“I support age appropriate, medically accurate instruction that follows Florida law. Parents should be informed, and local school boards should oversee curriculum decisions.”
6. Expanding Release Time for Religious Instruction: Do you support or oppose local school board policies that expand or facilitate “release time” programs for off-campus religious instruction during the regular school day beyond what is required by state law?
Answer: Neutral
“I support following Florida law and respecting parental rights. Students should not miss core coursework, and learning should always come first.”
7. Restricting Staff-led Prayer and Religious Expression: Do you support or oppose local school board policies that restrict staff-led prayer or staff participation in prayer with students during regular school hours and school-sanctioned activities?
Answer: Support
“I support following state and federal law. Staff may practice their own faith, but should not lead prayer with students during instructional time or school sponsored activities.”
8. Is there anything else you would like voters to know?
“I'm committed to listening, leading with transparency, and keeping students at the center of every decision. I'll support our teachers, strengthen career and technical education, and build partnerships that create real opportunities for every student after graduation.”
District 5
Autumn Garick (i)
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“Mom of 3 SCPS graduates, volunteered and worked professionally beside our teachers for 20+ years”
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1. Voucher Expansion: Do you support or oppose the continued expansion of public funding for private school vouchers and education savings accounts in Florida?Answer: Oppose
“Parents should always have a choice when it comes to their child's education. However, schools/entities receiving public school dollars need to have public school accountability for student success.”
2. Chaplain Program: Do you support or oppose a volunteer school chaplain program in your school district?
Answer: Oppose
“Many students/employees are facing mental health challenges. We need to ensure they receive professional support from licensed professionals. Faith based counseling is appropriate in private settings.”
3. Library Materials Accessibility: Do you support or oppose a local school board policy that prioritizes keeping challenged library books accessible to students while a formal review is conducted, unless the material must be removed under state law?
Answer: Support
“All books in our media centers and classroom libraries have been thoroughly vetted by our district certified media specialist. We should defer to the professional pending review.”
4. Religious Displays in Public Schools: Do you support or oppose allowing school-sponsored religious displays, such as the Ten Commandments, Bible verses, crosses, or other devotional materials, in classrooms or school buildings beyond what state law requires or what is used in a neutral curriculum context?
Answer: Oppose
“It's important every student, family and employee feel safe and welcome in our public schools. Our community is comprised of many faith and non-faith traditions and none should get preferred status.”
5. Comprehensive Reproductive Health Curriculum: Do you support or oppose comprehensive reproductive health curriculum that includes medically accurate information on disease prevention and contraception alongside required abstinence instruction?
Answer: Support
“Our students should learn clear science based curriculum that allows then to make healthy long term choices.”
6. Expanding Release Time for Religious Instruction: Do you support or oppose local school board policies that expand or facilitate “release time” programs for off-campus religious instruction during the regular school day beyond what is required by state law?
Answer: Oppose
“Students can't learn when they're not in school. I respect a student's choice to take time during lunch, before school or after school to engage in student led religious activities.”
7. Restricting Staff-led Prayer and Religious Expression: Do you support or oppose local school board policies that restrict staff-led prayer or staff participation in prayer with students during regular school hours and school-sanctioned activities?
Answer: Support
“I will always support a student and employees right to individual prayer or religious practice. However, if staff leads students it could be intimidating for those who worship differently.”
8. Is there anything else you would like voters to know?
Did not answer
Brian Newsome
Did Not Respond
