School boards Voter Guide: Manchester, Mogadore, Nordonia, Northwest, Revere, Springfield
Welcome to the 2023 Voter Guide produced by the League of Women Voters and Akron Beacon Journal with funding from the Knight Foundation.
Six local school districts across Summit County will see contested school board races on the Nov. 7 ballot.
Below, you will find information on candidates for Manchester, Mogadore, Nordonia, Northwest, Revere and Springfield. The following school boards have uncontested races: Coventry, Green, Woodridge and the Summit Educational Service Center.
Coverage of larger school districts can be found here or in the inneractive guide below.
Early voting is taking place until Nov. 5 at the Summit County Board of Elections Early Vote Center, 500 Grant St., Akron.
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Responses are not edited, vetted or corrected by the League of Women Voters or Beacon Journal to allow candidates to speak in their own words.
Interactive Voter Guide
If you click on the first link below, you can provide your address and see a customized ballot with your local races and issues only. If you prefer to find your own races, scroll down lower on this page.
2023 Election: Summit County Voter Guide
MANCHESTER
Elect two.
Lucy Jane Gustavel
Candidate did not respond
Cindy McDonald
Candidate did not respond
Steve Rector
Candidate did not respond
MOGADORE
Elect two.
Bob Gaetjens
Training/Experience: 17 years of covering school board meetings as a local journalist; past president, Mogadore Youth Baseball & Softball, volunteer for two school levy campaigns, Mogadore Music Boosters secretary
Education: Master's Degree in Curriculum & Instruction, Kent State University; BA in English Literature, Wittenberg University
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/188806960901312
Describe the role of a local school board member and share why you are the best person to fill this role. School board members need to be communicators, above all. They need to listen to the concerns of parents, students, teachers, and staff while balancing that with the realities of operating a school district. They also must quickly learn about school finance, teaching methods, procedures, law, and the nuances of personnel matters all while being visible and accessible in the community. Most of the time, school board members rely on administrative reports, but there are times when administrators need to be questioned sharply about certain topics. School board members need to be equally comfortable reading finance reports, chatting with community members at football games, and, if necessary, speaking with legislators if the occasion arises that the district is lobbying for change at the state level.
What do you think are the top three issues in public education? 1) Finances are the most important issue facing the Mogadore Local Schools. We have a 5.9-mill levy on the ballot that I hope voters pass, so we don't have to cut $1.5 million from the district's annual budget. 2) The misunderstanding surrounding critical race theory (CRT) is a big challenge nationally. CRT is not and has not ever been taught in K-12 education. What some districts do (and should) teach is a complete, unvarnished view of our nation's history. I'm also troubled by the level of censorship in some areas of the nation where books with legitimate educational purposes are being banned. 3) At the risk of sounding like my dad, all these darn cell phones are no good! While there are legitimate educational purposes for them (if used correctly), I don't feel what most students use cell phones for falls under that category. I believe they impede critical thinking and writing.
Education has become the target for hot-topic issues. What skills do you have for constructive responses to controversy? With a master’s degree in curriculum & instruction, I have a strong understanding of education, which often is necessary when confronting controversial topics (such as CRT and censorship). I also have 20 years as a community journalist under my belt, and I’ve developed an ability to look at issues objectively. Even if I enter a discussion with some thoughts about a subject, I can listen to both sides and reach a reasoned conclusion. Sometimes, I can even admit (at least to myself) that I may have been wrong. As a journalist, I’ve also developed an ability to question people on the fly, which is very helpful when trying to get to the heart of a difficult decision or topic. Having helped lead community organizations, I’ve also learned to contend with differences of opinions within a group and have developed the tact and patience to get through sensitive discussions without upsetting too many people too much.
Are there unmet educational needs that you feel need to be addressed and what are they? In Mogadore, I’d love to see Spanish come back, and I’m concerned about some of our other staffing reductions, as well. However, I’m going to take this moment to dream. I think financial literacy is sorely lacking. While there is a financial literacy standard in Ohio, there’s so much to be taught. While balancing a checkbook may be passé with the technology we have, understanding interest, amortization, insurance, investments, mortgages and retirement could be so great for students coming out of high school. I also believe we need to develop better literacy skills to evaluate news and social media. Because of the 24-hour news cycle and some national outlets’ tendency to spend more time commenting on the news than reporting it, people need to understand when they are hearing news as opposed to commentary. We also need to develop better ways to evaluate the avalanche of information coming at us through X, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and whatever the next hot social media channel will be.
What policies will you support or oppose to protect our schools from violence? There has been a lot of discussion about arming teachers, but I don’t agree with that as an approach to security. A better solution is to try bring school resource officers (SROs) into our buildings. SROs are dedicated, trained police officers who spend the day at the building getting to know students, helping with discipline and keeping the peace. I also believe that ALICE training at the high school level and more age-appropriate training at elementary schools can help districts cope with intruders. While no specific training is going to guarantee safety, I think ALICE (alert, lockdown, inform, counter, evacuate) gives students and teachers at the high school level the best chance at surviving the nightmare scenario of an active shooter. I also think every district needs to have an active anti-bullying program. Anything a district can to do save students from isolation is healthier on a day-to-day basis and also may prevent a quiet student from becoming an at-risk student.
C.C. Penrod
Candidate did not respond
Triston Smead
Candidate did not respond
Michelle Yoho
Candidate did not respond
NORDONIA
Elect two.
Tim Ellis
Training/Experience: Local police officer with 20 years of experience inside and outside of our district buildings. Two time distinguished service award winner. 2008 officer of the year
Education: Nordonia High School, 1989. Cuyahoga Community College, 2001
Website: www.ellisfornordonia.com
Describe the role of a local school board member and share why you are the best person to fill this role. The role of a board member should be to represent the residents of the community by proving oversight and direction to the superintendent and treasurer while prioritizing student education, respecting parental rights and being good stewards of taxpayer dollars.
What do you think are the top three issues in public education? Safety of students and staff inside our school buildings, fiscal responsibility and transparency/accoutability
Education has become the target for hot-topic issues. What skills do you have for constructive responses to controversy? I have been a police officer for 20 years. I have responded to thousands of calls requiring quick thinking and teamwork to provide solutions to solve difficult and rapidly evolving situations, treating residents with fairness and respect. Hearing their concerns, understanding their perspective and showing empathy are important skills to have when dealing with the public. While the school board is unlikely to be handing emergency situations, the same set of skills can be applied to responding appropriately and constructively to controversial issues.
Are there unmet educational needs that you feel need to be addressed and what are they? Our district has programs in place to help students to develop real-world skills in trade and apprenticeship positions but we can do more. As a father of 3 I recognize the differences in my children and where college is a certainty for some students, it is not the best fit for others. Promoting, encouraging and providing training for students that are not college-bound is vital for filling high demand and high paying skilled trade jobs. We should do more to prepare students to step into the essential trades that keep our country moving on a daily basis.
What policies will you support or oppose to protect our schools from violence? I will work tirelessly until police officers known as School Resource Officers or SROs are in every school building every day. SROs are vital to building relationships with students while simultaneously being the on-the-ground protection for students and staff. I am the only candidate in the history of the district that would have the opportunity to work towards having the safest possible schools from both the perspective of a veteran local police officer, but also a school board member.
Chad Lahrmer
Candidate did not respond
Liz McKinley
Candidate did not respond
NORTHWEST (full term)
Elect two.
Julie A. Barkey
Training/Experience: I have served a 4 year term on Northwest School Board
Describe the role of a local school board member and share why you are the best person to fill this role. As a school board, member, you set goals and policies. You also evaluate those policies for effectiveness. We are responsible for both hiring and continued evaluation of our superintendent. We review the budget for the school district. School board members work together with community to determine what the needs of our school district. I consider myself a detail oriented person as well a person with common sense. Those are two of the qualities that will assist me in my responsibilities
What do you think are the top three issues in public education? Government funding, School safety and bullying!
Education has become the target for hot-topic issues. What skills do you have for constructive responses to controversy? My skill set in dealing with hot topic issues is that I research all sides of an issue, discuss concerns with parents and teachers and make common sense decisions in regards to these topics.
Are there unmet educational needs that you feel need to be addressed and what are they? Northwest School district has worked hard to meet the comprehensive educational needs of all our students. We are fortunate to have excellent administrative team, teachers, support staff for our students
What policies will you support or oppose to protect our schools from violence? Supporting strong policies which will decrease bullying at every level Supporting School resource officiers and encouraging interaction with our students . Having a violence prevention plan in place.
Bryann Bowman
Candidate did not respond
Rita Gearhart
Education: University of Akron - BS in Education, Master's Equivalency plus 15 hours (Master Teacher)
Training/Experience: Teacher: Akron Public Schools, Green Local Schools
Describe the role of a local school board member and share why you are the best person to fill this role. A school board member focuses on students, employs a superintendent and treasurer, reviews and adopts policies, monitors district progress, seeks resources to expand opportunities, listens, and leads celebrations of student achievement. I have been privileged to serve on our board for 13 years. I am an experienced educator with the passion, knowledge, and energy to impact our district. It is vital to have a diverse board. Northwest has talented, dedicated members with expertise in different areas. I offer the perspective of an educator to the mix. I will use my experience to focus on student learning and educational issues.
What do you think are the top three issues in public education? In my opinion, the top three issues in public education today are school safety, equitable funding, and excessive testing.
Education has become the target for hot-topic issues. What skills do you have for constructive responses to controversy? I listen and show respect for all viewpoints. I thoroughly examine the topics before making decisions. This position is non-partisan, and I have no interest in divisiveness or political agendas. My sole purpose is to assure that our students are offered the finest education possible.
Are there unmet educational needs that you feel need to be addressed and what are they? Some unmet educational needs that should be addressed are childhood poverty, using technology wisely, and post-pandemic issues.
What policies will you support or oppose to protect our schools from violence? I support prevention and crisis response plans, controlled access to school buildings, increased security, a positive school climate, and anonymous reporting systems.
Joshua P. Nathaniel
Candidate did not respond
NORTHWEST (partial term)
Larry Murgatroyd
Education: Kenmore High School, University of Akron
Training/Experience: Rotary Club of Canal Fulton (Past President), Canal Fulton YMCA (Past President), Northwest ACC (Past President), JonMar Gear and Machine Inc. (Owner, President)
Describe the role of a local school board member and share why you are the best person to fill this role. To represent the will of my local community and provide leadership to obtain resolutions that benefit all. To help out by being an active participant in community discussions and best serve my constituents
What do you think are the top three issues in public education? School safety, special education funding and support, and community involvement
Education has become the target for hot-topic issues. What skills do you have for constructive responses to controversy? As a business professional for over 30 years I have worked hand in hand with people of various backgrounds and experiences to produce results that benefit all. I pride myself on my ability to work positively with everyone I come in contact with. I firmly believe that if all parties are willing to work toward it, positive gains can be made.
Are there unmet educational needs that you feel need to be addressed and what are they? School safety is a paramount concern. It enables all members of our district to have a beneficial and positive experience. To achieve this, more resources should be allocated for school safety professionals and resource officers, and securing additional funding for special education programs and students.
What policies will you support or oppose to protect our schools from violence? I will support any legislation that provides additional resources to my district and oppose those who attempt to cut corners to save money. No price is too high to pay for the safety of our children.
Jeff Weygandt
Candidate information not available.
REVERE
Elect three.
Kasha Brackett
Education: Bachelor of Science in Psychology from The Ohio State University
Training/Experience: Taught in Revere for 7 years. Passed OAE 046 and 047 exams for k-12 Technology Education
Website: www.brackettforboard.com
Describe the role of a local school board member and share why you are the best person to fill this role. The role of a school board is multifaceted and pivotal in shaping the educational landscape of a community. Board members must be tireless advocates for quality education, effective policymakers, and a bridge between the district, parents, and the community. I am uniquely qualified to fulfill this role for several reasons. My 7-year tenure as a Revere educator provides me with invaluable insights into the inner workings of our schools, the challenges our teachers face, and the needs of our students. This allows me to make informed decisions that prioritize academic excellence, including the selection of excellent district leadership. I am also a Revere parent with 3 children at RHS, giving me a firsthand understanding of the educational journey our families undertake. My current role with Bath Twp. Administration equips me with a knowledge of publicly funded entities, essential for making sound financial decisions that support our schools' sustainability and growth.
What do you think are the top three issues in public education? School funding has been a hot topic in Ohio for many decades. With 90% of students attending public schools in Ohio, we need to make sure our voices and needs are being heard at state & federal levels. The current political climate has led to misinformation & assumptions about the reality of what happens in classrooms. I aim to bridge these divides & bring clarity to the truth. I understand that people's views are shaped by diverse life experiences. I will approach decisions with open-mindedness and vow to listen to students, parents, educators, and community members prior to making decisions. Educator turnover combined with low enrollment in education programs is concerning. Political divisiveness, student behavior management, & increasing regulatory requirements create overworked & undervalued educators. The high cost of college vs. low starting salary means a decline in education majors. Revere must enhance educator support to remain an attractive district to educators.
Education has become the target for hot-topic issues. What skills do you have for constructive responses to controversy? I approach controversial education issues with an open mind, fostering respect, empathy, and informed discourse. Creating an environment where everyone's voice is heard, we can tackle complex education challenges. Welcoming diverse perspectives, encouraging respectful dialogue, and committing to open-mindedness and understanding the influence of individuals' unique life experiences is paramount. There is value in truly hearing and comprehending others' viewpoints to identify common ground. This foundation of respect allows for productive conversations. Staying informed about pertinent issues allows me to engage in meaningful discussions, using data and facts to substantiate my positions. Collaboration is essential in addressing controversial issues, often necessitating cooperation with educators, parents, policymakers, and community members to find inclusive solutions. I am committed to ongoing dialogue, acknowledging that contentious topics may require time to reach resolution.
Are there unmet educational needs that you feel need to be addressed and what are they? Revere should address its enrichment and intervention services for gifted students and those students requiring early educational intervention to prevent falling behind. Gifted students need a more challenging and enriched curriculum to reach their full potential. Revere should improve the differentiated instruction that allows for customized learning paths. Offering gifted students specialized enrichment programs helps them excel and reach their full potential. Likewise, identifying students who need extra support at an early age is crucial. Creating strong policy to toward comprehensive assessment tools and teacher training to recognize learning challenges can lead to timely interventions. At-risk students should receive interventions tailored to their specific needs.
What policies will you support or oppose to protect our schools from violence? My approach to school safety revolves around implementing a strategy to address various aspects of student well-being & security. School policy should focus on bolstering the physical security of our school buildings through surveillance systems, controlled access points, and enhanced emergency preparedness protocols, including additional police presence at key times. Safe learning environments within classrooms are equally crucial. I propose promoting conflict resolution programs & anti-bullying initiatives to foster inclusivity & respect. This includes training for building administration, educators, and support staff with a strong policy to manage behaviors that pose a threat to students & teachers. We must prioritize the mental & emotional well-being of our students by ensuring adequate resources are available to them. Our counseling and psychology professionals need manageable caseloads, giving them time to be accessible to urgent student needs throughout the day.
Claudia Mendat Hower
Education: B.A. Mathematics, Kent State University M.Ed. Math Clinician, Kent State University
Training/Experience: 14 years on Revere School Board - 6 years as President & 4 as Vice-President, 8 years representing Revere on the Cuyahoga Valley Center Center Board, 30 years as a mathematics teacher with 19 years at Revere and RHS Mathematics Department Head
Describe the role of a local school board member and share why you are the best person to fill this role. Hiring and evaluating the superintendent and treasurer in addition to policy-making are the main roles of a school board member. Equally important is for board members to engage with our community so that we may best advise our administrators of the community’s vision of our schools. My experience, integrity, dedication, background as an educator, collaborative spirit and leadership skills are the main reasons that I am the best candidate. I have served as President, Vice President and represented Revere at CVCC. I have served on numerous committees including: Policy, Buildings & Grounds, Finance & Audit, Construction and joint government meetings with Bath and Richfield. During my tenure as a Board member, our district has made great strides in performance, constructed new and renovated our schools, increased technology and safety improvements, all while maintaining fiscal conservatism. Revere is a special place. I would be honored to continue to serve our communities.
What do you think are the top three issues in public education? 1. Safety and wellness is imperative in schools. When students feel safe and are mentally and physically well, they are better able to focus on their studies. Parents need peace of mind that their children are safe at school. Social media has created a mire of problems including cyber-bullying. School violence has not decreased. 2. Hiring and retaining employees is difficult, whether the positions are for a bus driver, custodian, cafeteria worker, aide or teacher. Colleges are experiencing a drop in enrollment in education programs which will affect staffing in all school districts in the future. 3. School funding has yet to be resolved in Ohio. Twenty-six years ago, the Ohio Supreme Court declared the state’s school funding system unconstitutional. While many attempts have been made to rectify the problem, nothing has been successful. As a result, Revere needs to continue its fiscal conservatism by looking for ways to cut cost while maintaining our quality of education.
Education has become the target for hot-topic issues. What skills do you have for constructive responses to controversy? Board members have a responsibility to listen to all of our constituents whether they are a parent, student or community member. Throughout my time in office, I have been open-minded, empathetic, patient and collaborative. I have been respectful of others. Decisions should not be made quickly, but thought out critically and researched. I strive to listen to learn. My ultimate goal is to provide the education that our community expects and make decisions based on the voice of the community as a whole. Within our current board of education and relationship with our administrators and staff, we maintain respect for each other, listen to each other’s views and take time to discuss issues to reach consensus for the betterment of the district. Without this, little progress would be made. We also utilize protocols for following the chain of command to inquiries and answering emails. This ensures that all constituent voices are heard while involving the appropriate personnel.
Are there unmet educational needs that you feel need to be addressed and what are they? Every student is unique. I believe that we need to meet the needs of all of our students and prepare them to be independent contributors to society and to have a fulfilling life. Some initiatives that our talented, dedicated staff have created are programs like Revere Roasters and senior internships which go beyond the state curriculum for individual achievement. One of the benefits of a State Report Card is that it identifies areas of improvement for each school district. While Revere achieved a 5 out of 5 overall and increased its Ohio Performance Index score, some areas have been identified to address. I feel confident that our administrators and staff will utilize the data to create plans to advance our quality of education. The work world has evolved greatly in the last few years. A four year degree is not necessary to succeed in life. Artificial intelligence may revolutionize the work place. Educational systems need to adapt to prepare students for their future.
What policies will you support or oppose to protect our schools from violence? Revere has been pro-active in our protocols and resources to keep our students and staff safe. The Board has worked closely with our administration and local safety forces to identify best practices. Our new schools were designed with safety as a priority. Panic buttons, safety software, video cameras, secure vestibules and door alarms are some of the resources utilized in our schools. The Revere Schools Foundation has partnered with the Revere District to enhance what the district has put in place. Our School Resource Officer develops relationships with our students, provides training for our staff, researches new resources and is present daily in our schools. Adding a second SRO is being investigated. Recently, a multi-jurisdiction safety drill occurred which included our safety forces and staff. I look forward to working collaboratively with our SRO, safety forces, administration and Revere Schools Foundation to continue to improve the safety of our students and staff.
Natalie Rainey
Education: B.A., Economics and English Literature (double major); J.D. (Law Degree)
Training/Experience: Active district and community volunteer including RES PTA President 2022-23; PTA Board member at RES and Bath among numerous current and previous volunteer roles; Mom to 3 current Revere students (5th Grade, 3rd Grade, and Kindergarten)
Website: www.raineyforrevere.com
Describe the role of a local school board member and share why you are the best person to fill this role. School board members serve as a liaison between the district and community. They adopt policy, oversee the direction of the district, and ensure it is managed well by administrators. I'm the best person to fill this role because I'm student and solution-focused, analytical, and I prioritize listening to our stakeholders. As a parent of three Revere students, I am deeply invested in its long-term success. I'm actively involved, most recently serving as the RES PTA President. I’ve increased community engagement, and I've made sound decisions for the betterment of our students. I work tirelessly to know our families and staff, I'm driven and goal-oriented, and I will bring that same work ethic with me to the Board. As the only candidate running with elementary school children, I bring a unique perspective, as I will have a child in three of our four buildings next year. I love Revere. The traditions that bring families back to raise new generations here should be celebrated and honored.
What do you think are the top three issues in public education? School safety is a top issue. Ensuring a safe learning environment is critical for the physical well-being of our students and staff and is essential for creating an atmosphere that fosters effective teaching and learning. With the recent expansion of the EdChoice Scholarship Program in HB 33, the district should remain focused on high academic standards, student success, extracurricular offerings, and creating a school environment that attracts and retains students and families. Technology is also of utmost importance. It plays a significant role in education, offering both opportunities and challenges for schools. It has transformed how students learn, how teachers instruct, and how schools operate. In order to remain competitive and to adequately prepare our students, it is imperative to strike the right balance of technology in our classrooms to ensure that it enhances the learning experience without overshadowing traditional teaching methods or causing negative consequences.
Education has become the target for hot-topic issues. What skills do you have for constructive responses to controversy? I have experience finding practical solutions to difficult problems. I’ve received training on mediation and dispute resolution and have implemented those skills in various roles over the years, including working with families in juvenile court, navigating incredibly difficult and emotionally charged situations with parents and guardians. I’m analytical and detail-oriented, and I make decisions based on a foundation of facts. I believe in seeking common ground, staying respectful, and being accountable. I also believe in making the time to actively listen to our stakeholders. I understand that the school is charged with caring for our community members’ most precious assets: their children, their time, and their money. Every stakeholder deserves to be heard, and I am committed to working through all issues with a respectful, solution-focused approach.
Are there unmet educational needs that you feel need to be addressed and what are they? There are opportunities to enhance the special education curriculum at Revere in order to meet academic needs and create meaningful student experiences. One way is to create a cross-curricular program that begins at the elementary level and teaches students skills that are transferable to each building. Those life skills would ultimately be honed at the high school where students would have the opportunity to help run a small business, such as a coffee shop, within the school. Additionally, on Revere's most recent Ohio Report Card, the district received 3/5 stars on Progress, which measures student growth based on past performance. There are several areas in which students fell short of growth expectations. My hope would be to discuss key stakeholder variables at play and what steps could be taken to improve student achievement. We need to ensure that Revere maintains its history of academic rigor and success and that students continue to grow academically year after year.
What policies will you support or oppose to protect our schools from violence? School safety is paramount. As a Board member, I will work to add additional School Resource Officers. Our current SRO, Officer Dressler, is amazing, but he cannot be expected to be in four buildings at once. Over the summer, I attended the 2023 Ohio School Safety Summit in Columbus and had the privilege of listening to one of the Sandy Hook first responders speak about that fateful day. While unfortunate that we have to think about these things, Revere is not immune to acts of violence. Our parents deserve to know that they are sending their children to a safe learning environment each day, and our teachers and staff need to know that their physical safety is a priority. The layered security, including cameras and additional technology that have been implemented are wonderful, as are programs like “See Something, Say Something”, bullying awareness, and additional mental health support for families who request it; however, the safety that an onsite officer adds is unmatched.
Diana Sabitsch
Education: Cleveland State
Training/Experience: 38 years as a board member in Revere
Describe the role of a local school board member and share why you are the best person to fill this role. The role of a school board member is to set policy, hire and evaluate the superintendent and treasurer. I feel I am the best qualified as I have worked on the policy committee, hired both a superintendent and treasurer and know what is expected from both. We have to be aware of being careful not to micro manage and over step our bounds as to what jobs are meant for what people of the district. There is a chain of command to follow. We are also expected to work with the treasurer and superintendent for the good of the students and staff.
What do you think are the top three issues in public education? To understand what the future of education will be. How do we best serve our children and help them discover what they excel in for their future. The job market is going to be very different from what it is now. This starts at the elementary level and for the next 12 years. Each child is to reach their highest potential in every year. Safety is right up there. The world is changing and we have to be there to be sure our children and staff are safe in our buildings and activities that we offer. Mental health has become an issue to watch carefully for both teachers and children. There are many outside issues that are facing people. Children need to have teachers they can count on and trust. Teachers are stressed mostly because of how fast education and the world is changing. I believe that Revere is doing our best to meet these challenges. We as a board try to stay on top of these issues.
Education has become the target for hot-topic issues. What skills do you have for constructive responses to controversy? The last hot topic we dealt with was Covid. Do we masks or not, do we stay open or close, and how do we best educate our children? It was a tough issue to deal with as no one ever dealt with anything like this. The one thing I know we have to do is hear both sides as we did. After that, we need to see what is best for the majority of the children and staff. Our staff stepped up and I think they did a wonderful job of educating our children via technology. I know not everyone will agree with the decisions but we try to hear what is being said. We have to be open minded and also look outside the box for issues that come our way.
Are there unmet educational needs that you feel need to be addressed and what are they? Funding from the State. The form of funding we have in Ohio has been found unconstitutional many years ago and still has never changed. As a matter of fact there is less money going to public school education as inflation rises. The State has grown their list for funding. This mainly is going away from one public system in Ohio. Do I believe that all children deserve the best education, of course I do. How do we obtain that, we need to overhaul our system of funding. We can't continue to rely on property taxes only as we do in our district. The State subsidized amount we receive makes the demand for funding placed in tax payers pockets. We are fortunate but many districts aren't. Issues that are not in the classroom are the hiring of Classified staff. It is getting extremely hard to find people to drive buses, work kitchen, aides in the classroom and maintenance. We have stepped up salary and benefits and we still struggle. These positions do affect education indirectly.
What policies will you support or oppose to protect our schools from violence? Who will set these policies? That is the right of every individual district to do. We as a district have installed locked entry doors where people have to be allowed in from the office. We currently have one SRO and hope for a second. As for any other security issues we have done that is to remain closed information for security purposes. We did just practice a disaster drill with most local police, fire and sheriff dept. Would I allow staff to carry concealed? That would and has been for serious discussion among the board. We constantly look at and discuss what can be done to keep everyone safe and secure on school property.
Courtney Stein
Education: Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from John Carroll University
Training/Experience: 6 years of teaching experience, 1st and 2nd grade, at Stow Munroe-Falls City Schools
Website: KeepCourtney.com
Describe the role of a local school board member and share why you are the best person to fill this role. As a candidate for Revere Schools Board of Education, I bring a strong commitment to our community's values and a dedication to quality education. As a former teacher, parent, active volunteer in the Revere schools, and fiscal conservative, I have the skills to make informed decisions, allocate resources efficiently and advocate for policies that prioritize both academic excellence and fiscal responsibility, which are expectations of a board. Having been deeply involved in this community for so long, I have a unique perspective, through many different lenses, which makes me a great candidate for this position. I am passionate about creating a safe and conducive learning environment for our students. My family moved to Revere specifically for the excellent reputation of the schools and I will do my best to continue the high standards of which we are so proud.
What do you think are the top three issues in public education? As a candidate for Revere Schools Board of Education, my focus is on the needs of Revere while being aware of public education as a whole. We are focused on employee recruitment and retention. Attracting and retaining skilled and motivated employees is crucial. Teacher shortages, especially in certain subjects, can hinder the quality of education. But also critical roles such as bus drivers, custodians, and teacher aides need to be considered. We, as a district, need to make these important positions attractive. Mental health is a top concern. We need to ensure that we are meeting needs of both employees and students, especially in a post-Covid world. Continuing to utilize outside organizations is necessary but we also need to be willing to adjust and adapt as needed. Lastly, school funding is always an issue - both local and state. There is a heavy reliance on property owners which needs to be monitored. Fluctuations impact property values and therefore tax revenue.
Education has become the target for hot-topic issues. What skills do you have for constructive responses to controversy? I will navigate issues in education with a focus on constructive solutions and the best interests of our students and community. I prioritize integrity, transparency, and ethical conduct in all actions, establishing trust in my leadership. I will actively listen and engage in open-minded dialogue to foster understanding and find common ground. I believe that kindness and respect are key components of any conversation and necessary to determine a path to move forward through any differences. It is important that we provide a system of education that is expected from our community and not those of special interests.
Are there unmet educational needs that you feel need to be addressed and what are they? While we are ranked in the top 5% of our state schools and have much to be proud of, addressing unmet needs, particularly in special education, is essential to be sure that every student in Revere schools has an opportunity to flourish. We must enhance resources and support for students with special needs, tailoring education to individual requirements. We should allocate funds to address the unique needs of special education students, ensuring they have access to the tools and support required for success. Regular assessments and data-driven decision-making will help us identify areas for improvement and track progress over time. We also need to be ready for impending changes in technology and AI that will require flexibility in how we do things. Being prepared and able to pivot quickly will keep Revere ahead of the curve.
What policies will you support or oppose to protect our schools from violence? As a founding member of the Revere Schools Foundation, school safety has always been a paramount concern and focus of my efforts and fundraising. I support a comprehensive approach to protect our schools from violence. Officer Dressler is a tremendous resource for us and we are so fortunate to have him but he cannot be expected to do the job alone. I will work with Bath and Richfield to approve an additional School Resource Officer to help ensure a secure environment. In addition, mental health services are crucial. We must continue to allocate resources to provide counseling and support for students, addressing emotional and psychological well-being. Early intervention and destigmatization are priorities. RSF's See Something, Say Something campaign along with continued community engagement will foster open communication and ensure a coordinated response to potential threats. Our goal is to provide a safe and nurturing environment where every student can thrive.
SPRINGFIELD
Elect two.
Donnie Furlong
Education: Bachelors of Business Administration - Kent State University
Describe the role of a local school board member and share why you are the best person to fill this role. The role of a school board member is to assist in making sound decisions that positively reflect a positive K-12 education for our communities students. It is imperative to be a great listener and collectively work with the stakeholders to see this through. Understanding that a board member has to represent such a diverse group of students it has to be a collaborative effort with the leaders and other board members of the district. Being a parent of two Spartans with different learning abilities, a proud community member, volunteer coach and a advocate for the public education system I feel I can represent our Spartan community well. Knowing that hard decisions will need to be made, I feel transparency has to be at the forefront of my approach.
What do you think are the top three issues in public education? I believe the top three issues in the public education system today are unbalanced funding from the state, relying on standardized testing and strict curriculum that decreases teacher's autonomy in teaching and parents/guardians having to support their students financially to participate most extra-curricular activities.
Education has become the target for hot-topic issues. What skills do you have for constructive responses to controversy? When you find a controversial topic in your lap, the first step is to listen attentively. Next, if you don't agree, refrain from undermining their perspective. They most likely have life experiences that are unfamiliar to you. Ask follow-up questions and ask for examples of solutions. Asking "where can I learn more about this?" will aid in a constructive conversation and will aid in your personal knowledge of the topics. Encourage members of your community to speak on these subjects during a board meeting. Last always thank them for their time and follow-up on any arrangements made.
Are there unmet educational needs that you feel need to be addressed and what are they? Candidate did not respond.
What policies will you support or oppose to protect our schools from violence? I support having a resource officer in all public school buildings. That being said, they require a very detailed job description. I would like to see quarterly reports on building safety, habitual offender statistics and extended training on physical security breeches and deescalation of violence acts.
Dave Hofer
Training/Experience: Past United Rubber Workers/ United Steel Workers local President . Ideas Team Eaton Corp., Aurora, Oh Synflex Division . Plant Electrician Kent Elastomer. Parker Hannifin Plant Maintenance , Ohio School Boards Association, Board Leadership, and training sessions during Capital Conference
Education: Associate in Electronics from National Institute of Technology
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068823655874
Describe the role of a local school board member and share why you are the best person to fill this role. The main role of school board member is Hire/ Dismiss the top two Public workers of the school system, the Superintendent, Treasurer & evaluate their performance. We evaluate their performance to see if they are accomplishing the goals submitted and accepted by the board. Reading the laws set in the Ohio Revised Code lays out a system of guidance and will correspond with Policy. These adoptions of policy guide the school system and guard it from frivolous lawsuits. There is a lot of Reading that I do as a board member and it does take a fair amount of time to read and comprehend. Reaching out to our State representative’s and weighing in on legislation that is proposed can have dynamic affect to Public Instruction and to be watchful of what is being proposed.
What do you think are the top three issues in public education? Funding is extremely complicated and at times unfair. In the Springfield district I represent, we have a wealth of commercial and some industrial properties that inflate the overall district wealth in property values. However the average median for property homes is quite less. Coupled with lower median income in the county and Our residence pay more then their fair share. Charter schools other than a few continue to score in the lowest section of the State score card. While I am a supporter of Parental choice the State needs to equally administer standards to Charters the same as traditional Public schools. Special interest groups wanting to instill their instruction into Public schools. Truly we need to focus on Education that will give Our students the tools to function and compete in a very competitive Market place, here and in foreign Markets.
Education has become the target for hot-topic issues. What skills do you have for constructive responses to controversy? Too Listen and comprehend what is being presented and how that will affect Our educational process for Our schools. Schools have become a hot bed for what seems to be special interests and what affect will that have in Elementary, Middle school or Jr./ High School instruction. We have defined instruction from the State in Standards of English, American History, the Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Economic’s, and Math to name a few. We need to concentrate on those subjects so Our Students can function in a changing work environment. This will lead to Employment, Education, or Enlistment of which we need to have rounded Students in competitive subjects. There will be plenty of time once our students graduate to become involved in many organizations after their 13 year Public educational instruction.
Are there unmet educational needs that you feel need to be addressed and what are they? Expanding opportunities to take College courses while in High School if that is the pathway for some Students. Closely working with Career Technical Schools (JVS) to support pathways into the Trades. While we have a very good relationship with Portage Lakes Career Center, that bond needs to be retained and strengthen, many in the Trades will be retiring in the near future and the Career Technical Schools will be needed to train and fill that void. A Trade is a life long pathway that supports communities and families with good income. The changing make up of Our society and to compete in world markets the growing emphasis on Foreign Language’s needs to be instilled. While English is Our Countries language and should be, the growing opportunities to be bilingual need to be addressed both for domestic competitiveness and foreign competitiveness.
What policies will you support or oppose to protect our schools from violence? Police presents during normal school hours. Security entrance for all persons entering a school building with I.D. Delivery personal to be on a list of “routed” delivery persons and the school notified if a different routed driver is assigned. Instillation of security devices to detect weapons
Chad Lance
Candidate did not respond
Parker James Mason
Training/Experience: I've worked with current and former board members, two superintendents, principals, teachers, & other staff as my time as a student. I am also a volunteer currently at Springfield High School.
Education: High School Graduate
Website: parkerjmason.com
Describe the role of a local school board member and share why you are the best person to fill this role. Members of a school board should be the number one liaison for their district and you have two main jobs. When you are elected, it signifies that the individual who has cast their vote for you agrees with your policies and ideas. Your job is to represent the values of your constituents. Your second responsibility is to make the best decisions for your district to manifest success for our students. I have spent two years as a student working with the high school and district administrators, to reach common goals. The goal is to create a better learning environment and offer more opportunities to our students. For those who vote in the Springfield Local School District, they understand a huge part of the problem is fixing the financial crisis on our hands, by being fiscally responsible and transparent. Now, I continue to volunteer with the school district to push our students to be young leaders in their school, community, and their everyday lives.
What do you think are the top three issues in public education? Lack of discipline, government involvement, & absent community support. Let's get something clear off the bat. Discipline and punishment are not the same. Punishment is used once an individual receives a consequence for an action. Discipline is used to teach kids how the world works. It encourages self-control, self-awareness, and how to act in a professional environment. Allowing young kids do whatever they want at a young age teaches them everything revolves around them. The government is problematic for two reasons. To be as simple as possible, the state's tests and standards take all learning time away from actual education. The second thing is the refuse to do their job when it comes to fixing levies, which have been deemed unconstitutional. The final thing I will say is, the community votes for the school board. Therefore, lack of support among the community should not exist. Yet, if there is a lack of support, it is the job of the board to fix it.
Education has become the target for hot-topic issues. What skills do you have for constructive responses to controversy? I believe I am well spoken and I communicate efficiently. I am extremely transparent to earn the voter's trust. I value integrity and find it necessary to sometimes disagree with those you know in order to put the district on top and not certain individuals.
Are there unmet educational needs that you feel need to be addressed and what are they? As a financial crisis rages on within our school district, opportunities continue to disappear from our students. As inflation rises and the economy struggles, a district that has not received new money such as ours will continue to cut back. Until our district receives new money for the first time in 23 years, we will continue to see the release of staff, elimination of classes and sports, and our students will continue to leave to find better opportunities.
What policies will you support or oppose to protect our schools from violence? Within our schools I think students who fight and cause disruptions to everyday education are a threat to safety for our staff and students and should be expelled. I do not think we should cater to those students and ignore our majority who need to succeed. Outside of our buildings, I believe an increase of resource officers in our buildings will continue to ensure the safety of our students and build relationships between young people and law enforcement officers. We will always protect our staff and students the same way we protect our politicians, banks, or anything else we deem valuable because we truly value safety.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Voter Guide: Manchester, Mogadore, NW, Revere, Springfield schools
