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12 <strong>VOTER</strong> INFORMATION BULLETIN | Special Advertising Section | SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2015 ■ a necessary difference, not a wasteful one. The majority of our township is residential and I would like to see more businesses in Sharon Township to help increase revenue so we can continue to keep our township services and look for new services to benefit our community members. Our current trustees are finding ways to save money and I hope to continue this process at a heightened pace Carr, Chad Candidate did not respond. Truro Township Fiscal Officer (uncontested race) Nicodemus, Natalie Township Trustee (vote for no more than one) Bowman, Eli Candiddate did not respond. Mahaffey, Pat Candidate did not respond. Washington Township Fiscal Officer (uncontested race) Robinson, Joyce E. Township Trustee (uncontested race) Bostic, Gene Central Ohio Educational Service Center (uncontested race) Henkel, Jeannie Pleasnick, Robin Reid Questions for all Board of Education Candidates: Question 1: What should the role of the school board be in relation to the superintendent and his/her office? Question 2: What would you do to improve the school’s financial stability? Bexley City School District BOARD OF EDUCATION Full Term Uncontested Race Denison, Mike Lacroix, Melissa Term Ending 12/31/17 Uncontested Race Mitchell, Alissha M. Canal Winchester Local School District BOARD OF EDUCATION (vote for no more than two) Butler, Kevin W. 7423 Kenrich Drive, Canal Winchester, OH 43110 Email: mrwesleybutler@gmail. com Website: Education: I graduated from Shaker Heights High School in northeastern Ohio in 2000. I attended The University of Toledo and graduated in 2005, with a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology. In 2008, I also earned my Master of Education degree in Special Education from The University of Toledo. Occupation: Teacher (Intervention Specialist) Qualifications for Office: I believe my job as a special education teacher will help bring a unique perspective to the decision making process. I see firsthand the impacts of educational policies, and I want to work collaboratively with the educators, administrators, and the community. Question 1: The role of the school board members is to work cooperatively to set responsible policies, that the superintendent in tern will implement across the school district. The superintendent and and school board need to work together collaboratively to set and implement policies that will benefit the entire school district. Question 2: I believe it is the responsibility of the school board to address the long term financial stability of the district. Bases on Canal Winchester School Districts most recent five year budget projections it is looking at a million dollar deficit in 2018, and 2.3 million dollars in 2019. If I am elected to the school board I will work with parent, teachers and administrators to ensure that the district is saving any addition money we receive for the State of Ohio to address the long term financial debts the district is facing. Also, I believe the district needs to look for innovative ways to reduc Krueger, Matt Candidate did not respond. Toledo, Robert Candidate did not respond. Columbus City School District BOARD OF EDUCATION (vote for no more than four) Baker, Gary L. Candidate did not respond. Brown, Eric S. 1180 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215 Email: judgebrown@gmail.com Website: https://www.linkedin. com/in/judgebrown Education: Advanced Science and Technology Adjudication Resource Fellow. Cleveland- Marshall College of Law, Juris Doctor. Kibbutz Ein Harod Meuchad, Israel, Hebrew Ulpan Study. Cleveland State University, Bachelor of Arts: First College, History and Economics. Denison University, Granville, Ohio. Occupation: Retired Judge / former Chief Justice Qualifications for Office: 15 yrs - Elected Public School Board Member. All-Ohio School Board! 13 yrs - Private law practice, including School Law. 11 yrs - Ohio Assistant Attorney General. A decade as Judge, including Ohio Chief Justice. Father (2), Grandfather (3), married 42 yrs to County Commissioner Marilyn Brown! Question 1: The Superintendent is the Lead Professional Educator and Administrator of our Schools. School board members have no day-to-day role in the operations of the School District, and no individual school board member has any independent authority or operational role in the schools. School board members, collectively acting as a Board act to establish policy, to hire, direct, evaluate and hold accountable the Superintendant and Treasurer. The board has many other responsibilities and duties, all as provided by law. However, it is essential for school board members to participate and engage in the school community, which includes listening actively to parents, teachers, staff, and other residents. Question 2: We should create a committee, led by our citizens, to study our finances and publicly report their findings, including any recommendations for an operating levy. Keeping our schools accountable and transparent will help foster community trust and support for our schools. We must also communicate openly and clearly with the community. These measures will enable our schools to pass necessary school levies for the operation of our schools, allowing Columbus City Schools to fulfill its mission. I want every student to reach his or her full potential! Great education shouldn’t depend on how much we earn or what neighborhood we live in. We must make our schools work for all our children! Gibbs, W. Shawna Candidate did not respond. Hudson, Mary Jo Candidate did not respond. Hunter, Jim 2440 Adonal Blvd, Columbus, OH 43219 Email: Website: Education: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude in History Occupation: Qualifications for Office: Franklin County Republican Party Central Committee; Ward 26, 1992-2002; Ward 82, 2006-Present; Republican Candidate for State Representative, 27th Ohio House District, 2008 Question 1: The role of the school board should be to work with the superintendent to insure that every possible avenue of improvement is being pursued and that the voices of parents and community leaders are being heard in order to address the problems. Question 2: The first step would be to reduce the amount of money spent on experts in order to solve problems. Beyond that, I would work as closely as possible with the superintendent and treasurer in order to maintain the right fiscal direction. Kent, Bernadine Kennedy Candidate did not respond. Pierce, Tina 610 Northridge Rd, Columbus, OH 43214 Email: tinapierce4ccs@gmail. com Website: www.TinaPierce.com Party: Democrat Education: PhD Political Sci (Specialization); MA Political Sci; BA (Distinction) Social and Behavioral Sci; BA (Distinction) Humanities Occupation: Self-employed educational consultant Qualifications for Office: Educator with 10+ years of teaching, research, and advising experience in higher education; board experience: Kids Voting Central Ohio, Ohio Health Care Federal Credit Union, and Volunteer Administrators Network Question 1: A strong partnership between the school board and the superintendent is crucial to the success of our district. The Board establishes policies, makes strategic decisions, oversees the district's activities, serves as ambassadors, and hires and evaluates the superintendent, treasurer, and internal auditor. The superintendent is responsible for identifying our district needs and policies, providing leadership, and managing the day-to-day operations of the district. Through mutual respect and trust, shared ownership and leadership, accountability, and open communication the Board and superintendent should work together to meet the needs of our students, staff, and schools. Question 2: Historically, our district is vulnerable to declining tax sources. The current funding of charter schools in Ohio has a profoundly negative impact on our financial stability. Given these realities we need to use multi-year financial forecast planning to identify and prioritize our expected needs. We can also seek additional help from local businesses and non-profits to increase stability. One crucial factor is ensuring that Ohio is funding all schools in an equitable way with a constitutional funding formula. I will work to ensure our voice is heard at the state legislature and Ohio Department of Education during the budgeting process. Tyson, Ben K. Candidate did not respond. Dublin City School District BOARD OF EDUCATION (uncontested race) Melody, Scott Valentine, Christopher M. Gahanna JEfferson School District BOARD OF EDUCATION (vote for no more than two) Sanford, Justin 1748 Harrison Pond Drive, New Albany, OH 43054 Email: jsan0900@gmail.com Website: Education: I believe that ALL children should have access to a quality education, the tools to learn and the resources in which to prepare them for academic, character, social and cultural skills in a 21st century global economy. It's the Gahanna Jefferson Graduate Profile. Occupation: Senior Development Officer, Mount Carmel Foundation Qualifications for Office: I've been an administrator in two public school systems for the past 15 years. I've been an engaged community member and leader; valued and initiated public-private partnerships for facility renovation and improvements; dedicated to staff, student, programs and community; and continue to serve on the Gahanna Jefferson Education Foundation Board seeking excellence for our students and community. Question 1: The simple technical answer is that the school board and its members are responsible for hiring and evaluating the superintendent. However, I believe it is even more critical for the board to have a professional relationship with the superintendent that is based upon trust, communication, and respect for the community, our students and schools. The superintendent is responsible for the day to day operations and oversight of our administrators and staff. Not the school board. The areas of these responsibilities are to ensure our superintendent can build the trust and respect within his or her staff and administrators. Micromanagement is not a productive learning or working environment. Question 2: Oversight and transparency! Expect transparency from the treasurers office, not simply with our board but with our community as well. We live in a society of instant feedback, analysis and access. As a "Public" school, we should exercise that expectation with our community. Gahanna has always been a fiscally conservative community. We have an obligation to provide resources, facilities and opportunities for our students and staff, but must be conscious of what our community expects and the capacity of our community to support. We have physical needs within the buildings and the recent PI will help to address those, but this board must oversee the plan to address and prioritize those needs. Piccolantonio, Beryl 963 Riva Ridge Blvd, Gahanna, OH 43230 Email: berylbp@gmail.com Website: www.VoteforBeryl.com Education: JD, OSU Moritz College of Law ; BA, Ohio Dominican University Occupation: Lawyer and mother Qualifications for Office: Community volunteer: Schools Master Planning Facility Committee, Civil Service Commission, Education Foundation gala ticket chair, PTO. Mother of three who attend our schools. Expertise in employment law, public records, dispute resolution, & labor relations. Manages people, programs, and budgets. Question 1: The board is required to hire and supervise the superintendent. The board should set priorities and goals for the district and clearly communicate these to the superintendent. Additionally, the board must develop a transparent process to evaluate the superintendent’s performance toward the priorities and goals. There should be regular and ongoing communication between the board and the superintendent so the board is confident the superintendent is making decisions consistent with set priorities and goals. However, the board must give the superintendent the autonomy to direct the district. Question 2: A first priority is to review our budget, & overlapping municipality budgets in order to ensure there is no unnecessary duplication & to determine where resources may be pooled. I will encourage our board, our superintendent, & our treasurer to develop a mindset where we are open to collaboration & open communication whenever possible. Additionally, the board should work together to convey a unified message to legislators & to our Governor that stability & adequate funding is crucial to our success. Finally, we must reach out to community members who all have a stake in our success. Griffin, Lew 77 Mill St, Gahanna, OH Email: lgriffin@lewgriffin.com Website: lewforschools.com Education: I grew up in southern Ohio and graduated from Chesapeake High School. I then attended Capital University and graduated with a B A degree. Occupation: Insurance executive Qualifications for Office: I taught 2 1/2 years in public schools then had 8 years experience developing an early childhood education corporation. I founded a successful insurance agency. I currently serve on our school board. This blend of business along with my educational experiences makes me uniquely qualified Question 1: The school board has the responsibility to hire and evaluate the Superintendent. The evaluation process should be based on goals and objectives for both the district and the Superintendent, as established by the board with the Superintendent. Question 2: I would operate the schools on a clear and defined budget within projected income. This budget needs to be easy to understand and transparent to the community. This transparency allows all to see income and expenditures along with program offerings. Annual evaluations and possible cuts to avoid deficit spending will allow the community to partner financially more with the schools. Any financial increase needed to sustain programming would come through additional income as determined by the board. This could be increased taxes or a pledge program through our education foundation. Moehring, Daphne 441 Lily Pond Ct., Gahanna, OH 43230 Email: dmoehring@columbus. rr.com Website: VoteforDaphne.com Education: Bachelor's of Arts in Business Administration/ Minor in Finance from Capital University, 1985. Occupation: Insurance Agent Qualifications for Office: Professionally, I have valuable experience in financial analysis gained during 30 years of commercial banking and insurance with many of those years in a management role. I have been an active school volunteer with 7 years of PTO leadership, education foundation involvement, music & athletic support Question 1: The school board is responsible for setting educational goals and administrative policy for the district that the superintendent uses as a blueprint for implementation. It is responsible for hiring and overseeing the superintendent and treasurer who are charged with the functional management of the district. The board is to provide constant financial oversight and direction into long term planning of educational strategy and resource management, i.e. capital assets. The board should solicit public opinion as it affects the district and be the liaison for the district to state entities.
■ <strong>VOTER</strong> INFORMATION BULLETIN | Special Advertising Section | SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2015 13 Question 2: In my opinion, our district has been operating on too short a time horizon and that a strategic plan for education direction and the capital assets that are required to deliver that direction need to be addressed for the next 15 years. That will force attention on sources of funding, examination of expenses by type, determine adequacy of revenue or sources for new revenue, and stimulate discussion of creative ideas for new sources of funding. I would examine the past 5 years financials and education achievements prior to advocating for the strategic planning process to commence. Grandview heights city School District BOARD OF EDUCATION (vote for no more than two) Brannan, Debbie 987 Granview Ave, Columbus, OH 43212 Email: debrannon@columbus. rr.com Website: electdebbiebrannan. com Education: B.S. in Electrical Engineering, The Ohio State University, March 1985 Occupation: Qualifications for Office: Served first term on Grandview Heights Board of Education, 2012-2015. 20+ years Grandview resident raising three children, actively involved in schools and community. Co-chaired successful 2010 school levy campaign; served on Education Foundation Board 4 years (Treasurer for 3.) Question 1: Although the Board hires and evaluates the Superintendent, I see the working relationship more as a team - working together to achieve the common goals we have set for the district. The superintendent is like the CEO, working with his leadership team and principals to accomplish objectives we have mutually agreed upon. The Board is there to support him, give guidance and direction, and correct course if needed. The Board sets the priority for which projects get tackled when; the Superintendent gets those projects done. Question 2: With the continuing decline in state funding, 75% of our income comes from general property taxes. Although we have new development and money coming into the city with Grandview Yard, 85-89% of those taxes that are designated for schools go back into building the infrastructure through the TIF agreement. We constantly look for ways to save money through contracted agreements and other school expenses. One area we can pursue is possibly sharing special education services (i.e., transportation) with a neighboring school district. Mueller, Melanie K. Candidate did not respond. Palmisciano, Melissa 1376 Wyandotte Rd, Columbus, OH 43212 Email: palmiscianoforghschoolboard@ gmail.com Website: https://www.facebook. com/palmiscianoforgrandview heightsschoolboard Education: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law (J.D., Summa Cum Laude; Order of the Coif); United States Naval Academy (B.S., With Distinction, Political Science) Occupation: Qualifications for Office: Mother of 3 children age 9 & under; attorney at Jones Day law firm specializing in complex litigation/labor & employment law; military veteran/served 11 years on active duty; Lieutenant Colonel & JAG, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve; Operation Legal Help Ohio board member/ officer; classroom volunteer. Question 1: The school board's role should be to provide strategic guidance to the superintendent and his/her office and staff. The school board should also monitor progress toward identified and prioritized district goals and provide necessary feedback to the superintendent. The board's strategic guidance and feedback should be based on the combined individual expertise of its members. Additionally, it is the superintendent's responsibility to actively manage the school district while continuously integrating the feedback received from the board. Question 2: After thoroughly reviewing the district's financials with the Superintendent and District Treasurer, I would work collaboratively with all of the relevant stakeholders -- including my fellow board members, the Superintendent and his staff, the teachers' union, City Council, students, parents, and the community at large -- to communicate the financial picture of the district and identify, prioritize, and plan for the district's anticipated future financial needs. Groveport Madison School District BOARD OF EDUCATION (vote for no more than two) Snyder, Christopher 4880 Johnanne Drive, Groveport, OH 43125 Email: chris.snyder78@gmail. com Website: N/A Education: Education is the cornerstone of our society. Without educated citizens, we all suffer. Public schools offer young people an opportunity to learn how to interact with others, work with people in team environments, how to deal with problems, and how to set and achieve goals. Occupation: Network Services Supervisor (IT) Qualifications for Office: I worked for the GMLSD for 7 years in IT. I worked with teachers to help them bring their lessons to life through technology. I have also worked with the administration to help improve technology throughout the district. I will be able to help the district to move forward in the changing future. Question 1: The superintendent has a vital role in the district. The superintendent is there to lead the district and direct its path. The board is there to keep the superintendent focus and offer accountability. The two work together to bring the best out of the staff for the sake of the students. The board hires the superintendent to lead, but has final authority in any direction taken. The school board is ultimately responsible for the direction taken by the superintendent. Ideally, both the board and the superintendent work together to form and implement the vision and mission of the district. Question 2: The key to financial stability in any organization is found in its mission. With education, so many programs vie for resources, each having its merit and value. A clear mission is how we figure out where to direct resources. I would help to craft that mission so that resources can be spent toward the programs that fit into the direction we will take. This is not an easy task, but it is necessary to keep the district moving forward. As much as it would be great, the school board's job is not to please everyone. It is there to make sure students receive the best education. McGraw, Maria J. 468 Crestmoore Drive, Groveport, OH 43125 Email: mmcgraw468@gmail. com Website: https://www.facebook. com/MariaMcGrawfor GMSchoolBoard Education: Bachelor of Arts, Ohio Dominican University Occupation: Marketing and Communications Coordinator Qualifications for Office: I have been a part of the district’s revival, co-chairing two successful levy campaigns – even organizing a community petition. I serve as Chair of the Committee for Better Schools. Professionally I have experience with marketing, event planning and fundraising. Question 1: The superintendent reports directly to the school board, but works for the benefit of our entire community. There are many facets to the job. First, the future of our community will be educated under the superintendent’s direction. Community members see an impact from the district’s direction through property values. Successful superintendents have extraordinary leadership skills that inspire others to accomplish great things. The school board must evaluate the superintendent’s success and set policies that will lead the district in a way that shows good stewardship and accountability. Question 2: Before adopting new curriculum and programs I would seek expert advice or extensively research the topic. For instance, Groveport Madison Local School District recently adopted a new preschool program that had large upfront costs, and is being extremely underutilized. We must show the community good stewardship of our resources if we are to be trusted. School levies must be periodically renewed, and we must remember that the community will not fund an entity that they do not trust. Tedrow, Mary 6269 Lithopolis Road, Groveport, OH 43125 Email: metedrow@yahoo.com Website: N/A Education: BS Nursing - OSU, MBA - OSU Occupation: Retired RN Qualifications for Office: I am a parent of three Groveport Madison graduates. I volunteered in our schools many years. I have great respect for children, teachers and education. I have 23 years of school board member experience. I have the time to serve. Question 1: The role of the school board is to set goals for the superintendent, followed by supporting and evaluating him/ her in relation to the goals. Question 2: In May 2014, our community passed a combined levy/bond issue, allowing us to build a new high school and provide new, badly needed services. It is the board's responsibility to spend the money wisely. Hamilton Local School District BOARD OF EDUCATION (vote for no more than two) Jankowski, Joe 889 Premier Dr, Columbus, OH 43207 Email: joseph.f.jankowski@ usps.gov Website: http://www.hamiltonlocal.k12.oh.us/JoeJankowski. aspx Education: Three years of college, Ohio State University Occupation: U.S. Postal Service maintenance support manager Qualifications for Office: Current school board member and board president (elected 2007 and 2011); a passion for the success and reputation of our school district; a member of the community since 1962 and a 1976 graduate of Hamilton Township High School; (over word limit) Question 1: The school board's role should be to 1) hire the best superintendent and treasurer they can, who will then be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the district by hiring the best team of administrators, teachers, and staff that will meet goals of student achievement, financial accountability, state and federal requirements, and communication; 2) regularly monitor and evaluate the superintendent's and treasurer's performance to hold them accountable; 3) enact policy for the school district; and 4) serve as a public liaison between the community and school administrators. Question 2: My goal is to continue working with the superintendent, treasurer, and staff to ensure the district stays on its current path: wise use of tax dollars and expenditures, ongoing searches for additional revenue streams, and continued focus on hiring the best staff possible for our students. Hamilton has achieved a dramatic turnaround in the last 15 years, from being in the red and on Academic Watch, to showing a current financial surplus while improving student performance each year, and has set a path for other districts to follow. Hamilton Local was ranked 9th best in the state and 3rd best in Franklin County in 2013 for "valueadded", according to the Ohio Department of Education. Childress, Burl Candidate did not respond. Hallum, Pam Scott Candidate did not respond. Hilliard City School District BOARD OF EDUCATION (vote for no more than two) Keck, Heather L 3400 Heritage Oaks Drive, Hillard, OH 43026 Email: electkeck@gmail.com Website: https://www.facebook. com/keckforhilliardschools Occupation: Attorney Education: Capital University, J. D. 1999; University of Dayton, B.S., Criminal Justice, 1996 Qualifications for Office: Current Vice-President, Hilliard School District Board of Education; Current committees: Buildings and Grounds, Policy, Rec & Parks; Former Board Chair, Hilliard Area Chamber of Commerce; Leadership Hilliard, Graduate; Former Board Member, Hilliard Women in Business; Former Board Member, HOSA Question 1: As a Board, we work together to develop a vision for the District based on our shared community values for education. Our role in relation to the Superintendent is to ensure that the community's vision is the guiding force in decision making; to set longterm goals and policy; evaluate the office's performance in terms of student achievement, community engagement and communication, and progress toward long-term goals; and ensure that our scare resources are being applied to our ultimate goal of supporting teaching in an innovative learning environment. Question 2: We do a good job of communicating with our state officials about ensuring our district receives a fair allocation of state dollars due to our population and growth, which is an important piece of the stability question. However, as long as communities are required to make up the difference through property tax levies, schools will be under the constant threat of cuts. The greater issue is school funding and how we can fix it state-wide. In Hilliard, our continual efforts to be innovative and vigilant have allowed us to extend a 3 year levy to an amazing 5 years! Long, Nadia L. 859 Claytonbend Dr, Galloway, OH 43119 Email: electnadialong@gmail. com Website: Facebook “Nadia Long for Hilliard City Schools” Education: Graduated from The Ohio State University with Bachelor's of Science in June 2002. Studies focused on Animal Sciences and Pre-Veterinary Medicine curriculum. Also, obtained graduate and professional credits at OSU. Occupation: Quality and Food Safety Technologist Qualifications for Office: Father served on school board for 19 years. Mother ran successful school levy campaigns. Both siblings are teachers. My upbringing allows me to understand the importance of public education. Through my professional career, I have demonstrated a strong work ethic and have completed formulated goals Question 1: School boards rely on the chief executive officer (superintendent) and chief financial officer (treasurer) to inform the board. Superintendent is given the responsibility to enact policies of the board through strong leadership. Treasurer provides the board financial data, including 5 year projections, which helps guide the board’s financial decisions for the district. Question 2: School’s financial stability is dependent on balancing the income and expenditures of the district. Currently, income is a combination of property taxes, state revenue and investments. Stability could be improved by diversifying the income of the district through a tax neutral 1% earned income tax. Such a tax could possibly benefit retired senior citizens who have lost their homestead exemption through means testing while giving district another source of income which could grow over time. Also, efforts to increase business in the district would increase current property tax revenue. Malone, Carmen 5949 Hampton Cors N, Hillialrd, OH 43026 Email: cjmalone19@gmail.com Website: https://www.facebook. com/pages/Candidate-Carmen- Malone/1477311492564001 Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Accounting), Ohio State University; Masters of Policy Management, Georgetown University; Certified Public Accountant, Ohio; Certified Fraud Examiner Occupation: Project Manager, DoD, Office of the Inspector General Qualifications for Office: In over 14 years of auditing, I have reviewed funding and policy issues and developed recommendations to improve government processes and policies, some resulting in significant savings of public funds. Question 1: The School Board must establish and assess the adequacy of District policies. The superintendent must adequately implement the policies and provide updates on the effectiveness of the policies. The Board must develop policies in the best interest of the students, faculty, staff, administrators, parents, and community. The Board must seek feedback from the community and evaluate the adequacy of the policies. The policies and direction provided to the superintendent by the Board must include adequate detail to be appropriately and consistently implemented throughout the District. Question 2: An overall review of the District’s spending is required to develop a strategy for financial stability. Coordinating with the Treasurer, the Board must work with city and community leaders to develop efficient and effective financial and growth strategies to ensure future resources are available without impacting the hardworking faculty and staff of HCS. I would review all large expenditures for need, cost, and timing. The Board must ensure capital improvement projects are adequately planned and any deviation from that plan is reviewed from a current and future spending perspective. Ramsey, Charles F. Candidate did not respond. New Albany Plain Local School District BOARD OF EDUCATION Full Term (vote for no more than two) Fruth, Larry L II 7077 Fernridge Drive, New Albany, OH 43054 Email: fruth4na@hotmail.com Website: www.fruth4na.us Occupation: Education Software Association President Education: Bachelor in Education - Bowling Green State University- Science and Health Education Majors; Masters in Education - Bowling Green State University- Exercise Physiology
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