Election 2023: Five candidates vie for two seats on Mentor School Board
Oct. 23—Voters in the Nov. 7 General Election will decide between five candidates for two seats on the Mentor School Board.
Christine Henninger, Rose Ioppolo, Lauren Marchaza, Gil Martello and Lyndsie Wall are vying for the two available board seats.
There are 44,237 registered Lake County voters eligible to vote in the Mentor School District, according to the Lake County Elections Board. The district overlaps into Geauga County where there are approximately 200 to 300 additional registered voters.
According to the school district's chief financial officer, board members earn $125 per meeting.
Here are some of the answers the candidates provided in response to questionnaires sent to them by The News-Herald:
Christine Henninger
Henninger stated in her response that classroom sizes are out of proportion, and she is strong in her belief that communication, transparency and input from student and families and teachers is vital.
"By working together as a team we can finally solve this issue," Henninger wrote. "Students, families and teachers feel unheard and do not feel included. There I believe that every student's voice is important, should be heard and is invaluable, especially regarding their own education.
"I feel that we need to include teachers in every decision that may affect their class, the school where they teach, or their students. Our job is to support our students and families."
Henninger added her approach will welcome community input.
"I know that I can bring the peace that we need on the board so that we can start moving forward and put the focus back where it belongs, on our students," Henninger wrote. "I am running for the school board because I care about all of our students and bringing the focus back to your needs and helping your voices to be heard."
Rose Ioppolo
Ioppolo stated academics and proficiency for students are key to a successful district.
"If elected I would focus on policies that will serve to improve positive academic outcomes for our students and to improve proficiency and other test scores," she stated. "As a member of the board, I would use my position to direct policies that will achieve these positive outcomes for students and make certain that the administration executes and adheres to these policies."
Ioppolo addressed the gender issue in Mentor Schools bathrooms and referred to the Ohio judicial ruling at a state level. She added preparation for the future is critical for all students in the district.
"As a parent of children in the district and a substitute teacher in the district, as well as someone with personal higher education and business experience, I believe I understand clearly what the focus of our school system should be," she wrote. "That is, to prepare our students for a competitive and educational environment so that they can thrive and realize whatever career they are called to pursue."
Lauren Marchaza
Marchaza stated the safety of students in all district buildings is at the head of her list of issues to focus on, as well as improving test scores and focusing on the need of teachers.
"My top priority is to improve the safety and security of our buildings, which the levies will help us address," she wrote.
Marchaza wrote that her experience and familiarity with the district will be integral as a potential board member.
"I have experience in education and board work," she wrote. "Today, I still work in higher education as editor and director of publications at Case Western Reserve University. I'll be able to apply all of my experience in education — teaching, creating syllabi and curricula, and that ongoing interaction with students — to my role as a board member.
"I am a parent of two children who have been attending Mentor schools for nearly a decade," she added. "I believe we need a parent's voice on this board — one who can provide balance and real insight into what the district's families are thinking and feeling."
Gil Martello
Martello wants the parents and taxpayers of the Mentor School District to have their faith and trust restored in the city's educational system.
"We need the learning process or focus returned to the basics and within a reasonable period of time, we must see an increase in the state standardized test scores," Martello wrote. "There are a number of continuous improvement processes that can be applied. Exactly what and how these programs would be implemented would require a collaborative effort between board members, administrators and most importantly teachers."
Martello added he is working on inclusion for the board to work with parents, administration, students, the community to achieve the goals of the district's well being.
"I recognize, I don't have all of the answers, I rely on others or seek out other opinions to fill in blind spots — which we all have," he wrote." Being a team player is critical in a board member's tenure and it is a goal I strive towards each and every day."
Lyndsie Wall
Wall is committed to improving the environment for students and teachers in the district.
"One, learning and teaching environment, two, bullying and three, basic respect," Wall wrote of her goals. "Our students need the space to learn and grow while our teachers must have the space and tools to educate.
"Every single child is unique and deserving of kindness, patience and encouragement," she continued. "Our teachers and staff who are qualified, educated and dedicated to our students deserve to be respected, supported and trusted.
"We cannot expect our teachers to teach in a stressful, hostile, or disrespectful environment, just as we cannot expect our students to learn when they are feeling tired, unsafe, invisible or unwelcome."
Wall, a Mentor High School graduate, feels it is a personal desire from her background and upbringing to keep the district in a favorable light.
"This is my home and where my heart is. I care deeply about the success of our district and community," Wall wrote. "Once a Cardinal, always a Cardinal. The success of our community is dependent on the success of our schools."
Christine Henninger
Age: 46
City of residence: Mentor
Profession: Business support manager, Hub Plastics
Education: bachelor's degree, Lake Erie College
Elected experience: None
Rose Ioppolo
Age: 46
City of residence: Concord Township
Profession: Substitute teacher, Mentor School District and Riverside School District
Education: bachelor's degree, Cleveland State University
Elected experience: None
Lauren Marchaza
Age: 42
City of residence: Concord Township
Profession: Editor and director of publication, Case Western Reserve University
Education: master's degree and bachelor's degree, Ohio University
Elected experience: None
Gil Martello
Age: 61
City of residence: Mentor
Profession: Senior executive manufacturing and quality engineering manager, local critical component manufacturer
Education: Cuyahoga Community College / Ohio State Apprenticeship Board
Elected experience: None
Lyndsie Wall
Age: 32
City of residence: Mentor
Profession: Regional director, Defense of Democracy
Education: Mentor High School
Elected experience: None
