Newark school board candidates discuss issues, why they're running in the Nov. 7 election
NEWARK – There is obviously a lot of interest in this year's election, with eight candidates seeking to fill the three seats up for vote on the Newark Board of Education on Nov. 7.
Board president Tim Carr, Warren Carr and Tom Bline are running for re-election. Also on the ballot are John Ault, Shirley Betts-Hollins, Cindy Neely, Marc Stephens and Michael Wiley.
The terms of board members Mark Christenberry and Mike Blowers expire on Dec. 31, 2025.
About the candidates for Newark City Schools Board of Education
Tim Carr
Tim Carr has been a minister at Northside Baptist Church since September 1995, serving as senior pastor since October 2004. Appointed to the board in December 2008, he served one year. In November 2011, voters elected him the board for a four-year term. Since 2012, he has served on the board for the Career & Technology Education Centers of Licking County.
Warren Weber
Warren Weber is a two-year Vietnam veteran who retired from the U. S. Air Force after 26 years. After that, he was the city of Newark’s community organizer for more than six years, working with community policing, in crime-ridden areas, then worked and retired from Licking County government as development director.
Tom Bline
Tom Bline has been a certified public accountant since 1988 and works for the Defense Department. He owned and operated child care centers in the Newark/Heath area for 20 years and was appointed to the Newark school board in January 2007. In November 2007, voters elected him to a two-year term. After leaving the board in 2009, voters again elected him to a four-year term in 2011.
John Ault
John Ault is associate pastor at Family of Faith Community Church in Newark. A U.S. Army veteran, he previously worked in the Telecom field with Centratech and in cellular communications with Samsung America.
Shirley Betts-Hollins
Shirley Betts-Hollins was born in Cambridge and moved to Licking County in the 1990s to teach nursing at Central Ohio Technical College. She is a retired nurse of 40-plus years. She has reared her 16-year-old grandson intermittently since he was in the second grade
Cindy Neely
Cindy Neely is a 35-year Newark resident who graduated from Otterbein University with a bachelor's degree in business. She serves as vice president of retail banking at Park National Bank and has been with the bank for 22 years.
Marc Stephens
Marc Stephens worked for State Farm for 10 years in Newark, and the majority of those years, worked in the learning and development department. He serves as the online campus pastor at Faith Life Church and is also director of men's ministry for the church.
Michael Wiley
Michael Wiley has worked as a cookie sales representative for Nabisco for the past 23 years. His wife, Denise, is a teacher and a bowling coach at Newark High School, and in 2006 he also became a coach for the Newark bowling team. He is a member of the U.S. Bowling Congress.
The Advocate asked the candidates three questions in regards to the upcoming election. Here are their responses:
Question: Why are you running for election, and why do you think you should be elected or re-elected?
Carr: First and foremost, I still enjoy serving our students, teachers and our community every day. Second, there are several major projects the board has started I would like to continue working on. One would be the continued development of the State Farm property and another the Work Force Development Plan. Finally, both of my children had incredible options and opportunities to thrive at Newark City Schools. I am grateful for all I have received and want to strive to continue to give those opportunities to other students.
Should be re-elected because: Taking a three-year emergency levy in 2009, Newark City Schools has not gone to our citizens for new money levies in all these years. We have been financially savvy and fiscally responsible. I offered a lot of experience and leadership during those years. I have served 13 of the past 15 years on the Newark School Board.
Here are some wins over the last 15 years: Hiring two very good superintendents and treasurers. All of our buildings are new or updated since 2009. We have removed pay to play and busing transportation costs for our athletes and our fine arts. Studies show students who are engaged in extra-curriculars stay in school and get better grades
Upgrades to White’s field, our auditorium and reclaiming The Roosevelt building using money saved during the building process The Roosevelt building nets Newark City Schools six figures in rental income. We introduced JROTC my first year. We now have the largest JROTC program in the state. We have added STEM classes in all our schools, Lego Robotics, AP classes in the High School.
Our Summer Learning programs are second to none. Worked with community leaders for upgrades such as the newer entrance on Granville Street for the high school, the incredible statue, turf and renovations to White Field. Most of that with donated money. We have been a leading district in the area for social emotional health for our students. Children learn better with help facing some of life’s challenges.
Before COVID our graduation rate was well over 90%, and during COVID I spoke loudly our children needed to be in school. Experts agreed it is where most students can learn best.
The State Farm Building purchased several years ago which will soon house our Digital Academy, a new and consolidated preschool and offer us space if Intel should cause our numbers to grow. Without going to our community for tax dollars. I will bring the same passion and energy to do more if elected for four more years
Weber: I have been on the school board for eight years, and in that time, I have learned a lot about how school districts should operate, and I am still learning. I would like to continue that learning process and provide guidance to the district based on my knowledge.
I’ve had the pleasure of being involved in the eight different schools systems my children attended in three different countries and four different states to include Newark. I believe I have contributed quite a bit based on my extensive travels and living in different states and countries around the word. With the district continuing to change, I believe I have the ability to think outside the box and have insight into the district's future.
Also, over the past five to six years, I was involved in interviewing and selecting a treasurer for the district who has been able to save the district a lot of money. I was involved in dealing with the COVID 19 pandemic, where we were meeting or corresponding, daily on the best way to continue to educate our students while ensuring everyone in the district remained safe and healthy.
I was involved in interviewing and selecting a new superintendent during COVID. We were able to purchase the old State Farm building, which was greatly needed in anticipation of a growing student population.
I also believe I should be re-elected because I am able to listen without passing judgement. I’m honest, and I’m always looking at ways to compromise. I believe we can disagree without being disagreeable.
Bline: I am running for re-election because we have started several initiatives I want to see through to completion. Initiatives such as the Workforce Development Program, the contract with Behavioral Healthcare Partners, and the ongoing progress with the State Farm building will require strong, experienced leadership to make them work for our students and taxpayers.
I should be re-elected because, over my time on the board, I have been instrumental in several areas, including expanding the JROTC program (which I believe has played a significant role in increasing the graduation rate), increasing programs for student social and emotional well-being, the new Workforce Development Program and the new contract with BHP.
Upgrading White Field and purchasing the State Farm building may not have happened without my involvement. As a certified public accountant, I feel that I have also played a part in the district’s current strong financial position, which includes no new taxes since 2009.
Ault: As a proud graduate of Newark City Schools, I want nothing more than to see my alma mater in a position to serve our parents and their children in regards to their educational needs by providing a safe and healthy classroom environment.
For the past three years, I have been attending school board meetings, which has given me the opportunity to meet with board members on a regular basis. This has given me insight needed to understand the current needs of our students, staff and administration. Student needs above all else are the reasons which motivate me to run for board membership, as I am able and ready to put in the extra time required to do the job as it should be done.
Betts-Hollins: I think I am the best candidate for the Newark City School Board because I bring with me over 43 years of life experience as a community educator (BSA, AHA, ARC), public school educator (COTC, Mid-East Ohio Vocational School District) and a registered nurse/educator.
I bring with me a master’s degree in education (curriculum and development/special education) and a Master of Science Degree (nursing) which will positively impact NCS Board decision making on issues such as addiction, domestic violence, mental health issues and substance abuse. I will make the right decision for a positive outcome.
Neely: Our community is experiencing rapid growth. The decisions made in the next decade will affect our entire community and most importantly our youth for generations to come. I believe my business background and experience, my personal experience and interest as a parent in the district and as a volunteer in our community make me uniquely qualified for the position.
Stephens: I'm a Newark kid and a 1995 graduate of Newark High School. I want to give back to a city that has given me so much over the years and I'm excited to serve this community. I want to help create a brighter future for everyone in our great city. It starts with our parents and I want to work to make sure parents are included in school board decisions and their parental rights are always protected.
I want to give students every opportunity available to do whatever it is they want to do in life and help to provide a learning environment that affords them the opportunity to do just that. Our taxpayers deserve peace of mind, and I want them to know that fiscally, as a school board, we are doing everything we possibly can to give them the greatest return on their investment.
I'm running for the school board without any kind of personal agenda. I'm ready to go to work to strengthen our families, students and schools, and I'm excited to get started.
Wiley: It is the board’s job to work for the community and take their input on what they would like to see in their schools. Newark City Schools claims to be a community with opportunities for our students to learn, but when was the last time any board member has had an open forum with community members?
Board members need to take the time to talk to the community and the teachers in order to have a better understanding of the effective and ineffective practices at Newark City Schools. This way the board can make better decisions on how to educate the children of Newark City Schools.
Q: There is a lot of interest in this race, with eight candidates running for three positions. What is driving this interest?
Carr: I am glad there are a lot of men and women interested in running. I believe some see school boards with a more partisan eye, a political eye, which is sad. I would fight for our children not to be manipulated by fringe agendas and fads. Our younger children hear and see too much already; we need to protect their innocence.
I would hope the other candidates are running to hold solid values as our current board does. Newark City Schools are a tremendous place to grow, learn, play and achieve. I am hopeful the interests of all the candidates are for our students, their families and our community.
Weber: I believe the COVID pandemic changed everything. A lot of people (not all) were not happy with the way things were handled without knowing what went on behind the scenes. I also think some have seen how many other districts across the county are pushing for their own agenda and have decided to try that here. I could be wrong, but my primary focus is insuring our students get the quality educating they need for their future.
Bline: I think the local interest reflects what has occurred on the national level over the last few years. Since the pandemic, many people have become interested in public schools — some to help improve things for the students and some for political reasons. This will be my fifth time on the ballot for Newark School Board, and it is the only time there has ever been more candidates than openings, so the interest is actually a good thing because it gives the voters a choice.
Ault: From what I have heard, some candidates are running to maintain the status quo in which the board works with the administration and community, and other candidates are running because they are unhappy with things in their own child's classroom environment, and still other candidates are running to ensure that our children are provided a well rounded and wholesome education free from political and social activism.
Betts-Hollins: I want to be an advocate for keeping students and staff safe and creating an environment where students do not have to be fearful. It is important for our future generation to learn how to effectively deal with social media issues to obtain a positive outcome.
The past two years have not only brought change within the world but abruptly transitioned schools into change. I want to ensure that the curriculum matches today’s world and that our students will be competitive. I would also like to see the state standardization scores increase.
Neely: My children have been in the Newark City Schools since kindergarten. They are now in their final years at the high school. I have had the opportunity to see how the Newark schools are committed to the success of all youth as well as the success of our community. I believe that my current involvement as a parent provides me with a unique perspective to bring to the board.
Stephens: I think there are two main drivers:
The first is the socio-political issues that have made their way into many school districts throughout our country, especially those involving gender, CRT (critical race theory), etc. I want to stop ideological agendas from disrupting the opportunity for our students to learn.
The second is a recognition of a leadership gap in our local elected and appointed officials, not just in Newark, but throughout our country. Our parents, students and teachers deserve better, and I want to be the positive change that is so desperately needed in our community.
Wiley: I believe the interest in this race is due to the communication gap between the schools and the community. Community members want to know their tax dollars are being spent for the betterment of their children. Newark City Schools was rated by the state as a three-star school. Community members deserve to know why they were rated this rating and what the school is going to do to improve this score in the next couple of years.
What is the strategic plan to address the districts test scores? How are they successfully implementing the governor's new science of reading? It is important that we prepare our students to be good citizens and productive community members. The children of Newark City Schools are the future of Newark.
Q: What are residents telling you about their most important issues, and how would you address them?
Carr: One concern has been busing, and I will say we have more drivers than last year, but we still need to do better. The board is currently looking at ways to improve busing.
As Intel moves closer, I hear comments about increased students in our schools and how can we prepare our students for job opportunities. We continue to explore opportunities for Intel education. Our workforce development will expand opportunities. With the State Farm facility, we have a lot of space for classrooms if we get more students. In addition, when we built our new school buildings, they were built to add on to if needed.
One constant concern is safety. This year we were able to add a second resource officer in our middle schools. Each building has its own safety team. Administrative leaders and two board members meet regularly with leaders from Newark Fire, Newark Police and Newark government to discuss safety concerns. Our current board is very thorough and resourceful in addressing school issues
Weber: Most of the people I’ve come in contact with are concerned about student and school safety. I tell them that the district consistently meets with local law enforcement and fire to discuss, review and update safety procedures. We have also hired another SRO.
Some people are concerned about staff shortages. That is a work in progress, and we are no different than other districts, that are having the same problems.
Another question that comes up is how Intel will impact our community. My answer is I’m sure it will, but to what extent I don’t know.
Bline: A lot of the issues I hear about most are already being addressed in one way or another. The one I probably hear the most is busing. Like most districts nationwide, we have had trouble getting enough bus drivers. But through the efforts of several people, NCS has several new drivers and more in training. We have made substantial progress in this area.
We have also heard concerns about our state report card. Even though five buildings exceeded state expectations and four met expectations, there is work to be done. NCS improved this year in 14 of 21 indicators. The curriculum department and staff are working hard to continue to bring about improvement.
While it is not an issue, many people ask about the State Farm building. Things are proceeding well, and we look forward to that building being a major asset to the community for years to come.
Ault: I have heard stories that include issues with bullying, as well as concern about some students being treated differently than others. I have also heard concerns from some about our school district's most recent rating.
If elected, I will do my best to analyze the issues and work with other board members to achieve the most suitable resolution in each and every case. Our children are our future, and most definitely our most precious resource. We need to protect them and train them up well.
Betts-Hollins: I have encountered the following community concerns:
Only one adult person on a bus (no one to supervise kids while the bus driver drives the bus); no security system (seat belts).
Constant change of school starting time/very inconsistent and working parents must juggle their schedules for transportation.
Hesitancy to implement IEPs and deal with students who have needs out of the routine.
Teacher dissatisfaction with committee assignments/lack of administrative support/current contract. Promote teacher retention
Equity policy (used to promote equitable change).
Social emotional learning/allocating money for mental health issues
Charter schools/privatizing education/home schooling.
I would encourage committees to be active in the change process, communicate with the Newark Teacher’s association to get their input and encourage attendance at board meetings, be visible in the community to both gather and disseminate accurate information, communicate with administrators as necessary to call attention to various issues that arise — regular scheduled meetings to discuss issues.
Encourage community forums, establish a communication page for concerns, problem solution recommendations etc., review policies (issue related) and update as necessary to keep NHS performing in today’s world, and evaluate current mental health services to make sure student needs are being met.
Neely: Residents are telling me they are ready for a fresh voice with a renewed perspective on the Board of Education. Addressing issues of residents, parents and/or teachers and staff starts with listening well, understanding what is currently in place and then engaging the appropriate administration to create solutions while considering public input.
Stephens: The majority of parents I've talked to are concerned about woke policies and agendas making their way to our district. They are concerned that the desires of the few are being forced on everyone. I want to assure parents that I will take a stand against personal political beliefs of any kind in the classroom.
Many parents do not feel like they have a voice. I'm ready to listen and go to work for them and give them the assurance that their best interests will always be a main factor in every school board decision. I have been and will continue to listen to the parents and make sure they know there will always be a seat at the table for them.
Many local taxpayers are concerned about the impact of Intel moving to the New Albany area and how that will affect their taxes, neighborhoods and the future of Newark. From a local school board perspective, we have to use wisdom and make the most of these opportunities educationally, making sure that Newark City Schools are safe and competitive and financially providing transparency and accountability in how we make decisions.
For our students graduating, there will be job opportunities locally available over the next five years unlike anything we have ever seen before, especially in the trade fields. Good, respectable, high paying jobs. I will do everything I can to support education and training opportunities that prepare our students, some who may not want to attend college, so they are ready to join a thriving workforce right here at home.
Wiley: The residents I have met on the campaign trail have many different concerns. When you look at all their concerns as a whole, the number one concern is communication. Our community members are concerned about the schools and would like more transparency from Newark City Schools.
Our students are the future of Newark, and they need every opportunity to learn and become productive global citizens. I feel it is important to listen to all community concerns and address them as they arise.
If I am elected to the Newark City School Board, I plan to start with the people. As a board member it is my job to bring the community to the schools and bridge the communication gap between the school district and the citizens. I have been a bowling coach for Newark City Schools for almost 20 years and the students and staff deserve a school board member who puts their needs first.
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This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Newark school board election 2023: 8 candidates vying for 3 seats
