As part of our commitment to providing you with what you need to make an informed decision in the 2026 elections, News 6 joined with the News Collaborative of Central Florida to present the Voting Central Florida 2026 Voter’s Guide.
Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.
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Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.
However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.
Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.
Osceola County School Board District 3
All school board races are nonpartisan elections, which means all voters can vote in the election, regardless of party affiliation.
There are five school board districts in Osceola County, with a board member representing each one. District 3 covers South Central Osceola County, including the Poinciana area. A map of the school districts is available HERE.
The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.
Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.
Our News Collaborative partners at Osceola News Gazette compiled the candidate responses for Osceola County School Board District 3. Below is an excerpt of each candidate’s profile.
You can see the full Osceola News Gazette Voting Guide HERE.
Natalie Guzman
WEBSITE: natalieguzman.us/about
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.
Alyssa Noel
WEBSITE: alyssanoelforschools.com/
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.