Ashley Gillhousen is seeking reelection to the Clay County School Board District 5 seat in the Nov. 3 general election. Gillhousen said she has served on the board since 2014.
The nonpartisan race is certified for the ballot, according to BallotReady election data. Gillhousen, 41, said her background as a registered nurse, former classroom teacher and director of programs at Seamark Ranch gives her "firsthand insight into the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs of children and families," according to her Florida Tribune questionnaire response.
Candidate information
- Office sought: Clay County School Board, District 5
- Party: Nonpartisan
- Age: 41
- Residence: Clay County (third-generation resident)
- Family: Married to husband Adam; three sons, Aiden, Brantley and Caleb
- Education: High school diploma, Clay High School (2003); associate of science, University of Florida; bachelor of science in nursing, University of North Florida
Gillhousen attended Charles E. Bennett Elementary School, Green Cove Springs Middle School and Clay High School, according to her candidate finance filing with the Clay County Supervisor of Elections.
Experience and public service
- Clay County School Board, District 5 — board member, 2014 to present (claimed by the candidate)
- Seamark Ranch — teacher and director of programs, 2023–2025
- Jacksonville Classical Academy — teacher, 2022–2023
- Orange Park Medical Center — registered nurse, 2007–2012
- Wolfson Children's Hospital — patient care specialist (dates not specified)
Gillhousen said her community involvement includes Youth Leadership Jacksonville, Foreign Aid Missions, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Mothers of Preschoolers Leadership Team.
On the issues
Gillhousen identified three top priorities for the district in her Florida Tribune questionnaire: financial sustainability, attracting and retaining employees, and maintaining academic excellence while preparing for growth.
School district budget: Gillhousen said, "We must continue making strategic, fiscally responsible decisions that protect classrooms, prioritize student learning, and maximize every taxpayer dollar in the face of significant budget constraints driven by inflation and uncertainty in state funding."
Teacher and staff recruitment: Gillhousen said the district must keep investing in its people. She called for competitive compensation, a positive work environment and fewer unnecessary burdens on employees so they can focus on students.
Student achievement and growth: As Clay County grows, Gillhousen said the district must improve student achievement while planning for facilities, transportation and workforce needs. She said she would continue using "data-driven decision-making, long-range planning, and transparent governance" to ensure every student has access to a safe, high-quality education.
Governor's education agenda: During her 2022 reelection campaign, Gillhousen signed a pledge supporting Gov. Ron DeSantis's education agenda, which included increasing teacher pay and opposing COVID lockdowns and Critical Race Theory, according to Florida Politics.
The race is nonpartisan. Voters in Clay County School Board District 5 cast ballots Nov. 3, and Gillhousen's full questionnaire response is available through the Florida Tribune.
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