Pam Gould, Orange County Public Schools Board Member representing District 4, is seeking re-election in the upcoming Florida state primary on August 18, 2020. Pam is currently serving her second term representing the communities of West Orange County.
“I am eager to continue our work on behalf of District 4,” Gould said. “It has been an honor and a privilege to champion change and issues on behalf of the students, staff and teachers during my tenure. We have made substantial progress in addressing skills building, career path opportunities and advancing school construction. I look forward to accelerating the momentum of this work on behalf of our students and the community.”
In addition to advancing the building schedule of multiple new schools, Gould has been a champion for many causes on behalf of students, specifically programs and pathways to help address community issues such as physical and mental health, substance abuse, ESE student opportunities and career readiness. During Gould’s tenure, eleven new schools have opened in District 4 and eight more are planned to open by 2025. Additionally, through focus on available career pathways, District 4 Career & Technical Certifications have increased over 270% in seven years.
“The growth in West Orange County continues to outpace most of the country; and, as we emerge from the current social and economic setback, we can anticipate that growth will continue,” says Gould. “Working with Orange County Public Schools staff, my fellow School Board members, partnering with local and state elected officials and the community-at-large, I have been successful in facilitating increases in budgets, enhanced programming and accelerated expansion of new schools. But my work is not done. I will continue to advocate for our district and state’s education system to create critical pathways to careers while maintaining academic opportunities. In fact, I am championing a polytechnic 6th-12th grade option that could offer disciplines in energy and autonomous vehicle programs. This model enhances the experiential learning environment and provides students with the skills needed in today’s economy.”
Gould continues to serve the community on and off the school board. She is the President/CEO of Shepherd’s Hope, Inc., a free and charitable medical enterprise operating five health centers serving the greater Orlando region. She is also the Vice Chair of the Orange County Public Schools Board, as well as a Board Member on the Foundation for Orange County Public Schools, the West Orange Chamber of Commerce and United Arts of Central Florida. Pam and her husband, John, reside in Windermere and have two sons (both Orange County Public Schools graduates) Gregory and Matthew.
