District 5 board member Ashley Gilhousen was re-elected in the August primary, in this non-partisan race. It will not appear on the November ballot.
News4JAX sent a questionnaire to each candidate asking about their background and their views on several issues. Scroll down to read the responses of those seeking your vote in their own words.
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Note: Responses are sorted alphabetically and are presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4JAX staff.
| NON-PARTISAN CANDIDATES |
Ashley Gilhousen
Occupation: Registered Nurse and Director of Programs, Seamark Ranch
Age: 41
Family: Husband, Adam, three sons, Aiden, Brantley, and Caleb.
Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of North Florida
Political experience: Elected 2014, 2018, and 2022 Clay County School Board Member District 5
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
I believe the three biggest issues facing our district are financial sustainability, attracting and retaining exceptional employees, and maintaining academic excellence while preparing for continued growth.
Like school districts across Florida, we are facing significant budget constraints driven by inflation and uncertainty in state funding. We must continue making strategic, fiscally responsible decisions that protect classrooms, prioritize student learning, and maximize every taxpayer dollar.
We must also continue investing in our greatest asset—our people. Recruiting and retaining outstanding teachers, support staff, and bus drivers requires competitive compensation, a positive work environment, and reducing unnecessary burdens so employees can focus on serving students.
Finally, as Clay County grows, we must continue improving student achievement while planning responsibly for facilities, transportation, and workforce needs. Our strategic plan provides a strong roadmap, and I will continue using data-driven decision-making, long-range planning, and transparent governance to ensure every student has access to a safe, high-quality education while protecting the financial stability of our district.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
I offer a unique combination of experience, professional expertise, and a proven record of results. Over the past decade on the School Board, I’ve helped lead Clay County Schools through periods of growth, financial challenges, and significant academic progress while maintaining a strong focus on fiscal responsibility and student success.
Beyond my board service, my experience as a registered nurse, former classroom teacher, and Director of Programs at Seamark Ranch gives me firsthand insight into the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs of children and families. Those perspectives help me evaluate decisions through multiple lenses—not just policy, but their real-world impact on students, parents, and educators.
Voters deserve leaders who understand both governance and education. I bring institutional knowledge, strong community relationships, and a demonstrated ability to make thoughtful, data-driven decisions while remaining accessible and accountable to the families I serve. My commitment is to continue building on the progress we’ve made while ensuring Clay County Schools remains academically strong, financially sound, and responsive to the needs of our community.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
When my service is complete, I hope to be remembered for leaving Clay County Schools stronger than I found it. I want to have helped build a district known for academic excellence, responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, safe schools, and a culture where teachers feel valued and students are prepared to succeed in whatever path they choose.
I also hope to be remembered as a leader who listened well, made thoughtful decisions based on facts rather than politics, and always put students first. I believe school board members are temporary stewards of a public trust, and our responsibility is to make decisions that will benefit future generations—not just solve today’s challenges.
Most importantly, I hope families look back and say their children received an outstanding education in Clay County because our board had the courage to plan ahead, manage resources wisely, and remain focused on what matters most: helping every child reach their God-given potential while respecting parents as their children’s first and most important teachers.
Campaign website: (None given)
Campaign social media: Facebook