Campaign Phone
6145810130
Occupation
Educational Liaison (retired School Counselor/Teacher)
Education
Bachelors-Mount Vernon Nazarene College (Business Administration), Masters--The Ohio State University (Vocational Education), Masters--University of Dayton (School Counseling)
Qualifications for Office
I have been a resident of Canal Winchester for over 50 years, CWHS Graduate (1982), worked in Education as a Teacher and School Counselor for 33 years, have coached basketball for 36 years. I understand how schools work and think that I have much to offer from my experience.
I believe that the way the state of Ohio is attempting to fund Public school districts is a huge problem facing many districts including Canal Winchester Local Schools. Our district stands to lose several million dollars under the legislature's current budget. We, as a district, will need to rethink how we spend money for programs and future projects. We are fortunate to have a Treasurer like Nick Roberts who has had the foresight to save and smartly invest to help CW Schools financial position. We all need to continue to encourage our state representatives to make funding public schools fairly and adequately a priority.
I have 2 priorities for my term:
1. The safety and support of our students and staff. This obviously includes a safe, physical environment with the best possible safety protocols in place. This also includes support/encouragement for emotional and mental health wellness. I believe that these initiatives must be financed regardless of cost. We cannot attach a price on safety. There are programs such as "handle With Care" that we could use that cost no money.
2. I would like to do my part in helping to improve the current culture of our schools. As an employee of CW Schools and as a student before that, I was always encouraged by the pride and family-like atmosphere that our schools exhibited. I believe this has dropped off recently
The primary role of the Board of Education is to act as a governing team with the tasks of setting vision, policies, and long-term goals in a fiscally responsible manner. I want to assist and concentrate in helping all CW students in receiving an excellent education that also enables them to be future leaders in their lives (however that looks in their individual situation). I want our students to be prepared for whichever of the "3 E's" (Enroll, Enlist, Employ) they pursue. As a Counselor, I always wanted my students to leave CWHS with a direction to pursue. That direction can always change but the worst direction is not to have a direction at all. I would try to specifically be an advocate for our Counseling team to assist with this.
I plan to be visible in the community as much as possible. I always attend athletic and other events, communicate on social media and through email that residents, staff, and students can always reach out to me with questions/concerns. I commit to finding answers and responding to questions and concerns to those affected. I shop, etc in the community. I am naturally available.
I will be approachable and available for all residents. I will make sure (as I always have) to get all sides/aspects of an issue when an issue needs addressed. I will do my best to build trust with all factions of the community by learning what different groups exist and what their missions are. I already have trust with many people in the community having lived in CW for over 50 years. I believe by building trust and confidence, it is much easier to help resolve disagreements between stakeholder groups. I will begin to "build bridges" immediately upon being elected.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Campaign Phone
614-218-5417
Occupation
Information Technology
Education
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology
Funding uncertainty. State funding is under attack via reduced funding from the state that is being diverted to other schooling options that are not held to the same standards as public schools. Funding through property tax is also under attack from state legislators and property tax opponents. There is currently no plan for replacing that funding. The district must be proactive in addressing these concerns rather than waiting to see what will happen. We need to model potential future funding and take steps now to be prepared for the next state budget cycle.
Ensuring the district is prepared for potentially increasing enrollment. There are multiple new housing developments being built and planned within the district. We are well prepared for any increase in student population at the elementary and high school buildings, but we need to ensure that we are prepared at the middle school campus. If we need to increase capacity at our middle school campus, we will not need to make that decision for 7-8 years which aligns with the expiration of our current bond funding. We may need to bond to build any new additions at the middle school campus.
The primary role of a board of education member is to ensure fiscal stability of the district and to ensure proper alignment and adherence between state law and district policy. I am very well versed in the financial aspects of the position through my work history. Having had profit and loss responsibility at Fortune 500-level companies, I understand financial decisions on both the revenue and expense side of the ledger. My current role in City government assists with the procurement and contracting side of the district’s financial activity. On the policy side, I have a keen eye for detail in our policy documents, and I understand that the volume of change at the state level requires outside assistance to ensure alignment.
I intend to hold periodic town hall-like, round table, or coffee with board member sessions to allow stakeholders to interact directly with me. Additionally, both my phone and email contacts are listed on the district website. I am always available for a conversation.
Consensus can’t always be built. Our district has a very diverse population with significantly different opinions among our constituents. We have a rich history of traditions and values, and we are adding new traditions and values as our community expands. The challenge is that the new and old don’t always mesh perfectly. When I run into those situations, I request input directly from people on each side of the discussion. I try to find the common areas where there is already agreement and work to find solutions where there is disagreement. I don’t always find that solution, and have to decide to put that particular point of disagreement aside temporarily. I am open minded and willing to change my mind, if that needs to happen.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Occupation
Franklin County Domestic Relations and Juvenile Court Supervisor
Education
Executive Master of Public Administration, Ohio University; Ohio State University, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology and Women’s Studies
Qualifications for Office
Graduate degree in Public Policy and Public Administration, Incumbent Board of Education Member since January 2020, Served on the Advisory Board for GRADS at Tolles Career and Technical Center, State Ambassador for Public Education, Ohio School Boards Association, OSBA Aptitude Awards Recipient 2025, Resident of Canal Winchester for 16 years
One of the most significant challenges facing the school community in Canal Winchester similar to districts across Ohio is the impact of regressive state policies that underfund public schools while prioritizing private education. This inequity shifts the burden onto local taxpayers and makes it harder to address the growing and complex needs of public school students. These needs include expanding social and emotional supports, addressing early literacy gaps, meeting special education requirements, supporting English language learners, and responding to changes in the economic landscape. In Canal Winchester, the percentage of students from low-income families has risen sharply, from 27.62% in 2022 to 45.13% in 2024.
My top priorities for my next term in office include strengthening academic achievement especially for our youngest learners, expanding school facilities with projects such as a new performing arts center and upgraded athletic fields, and enhancing safety initiatives to ensure a secure learning environment for all students. These goals can be achieved through careful financial planning which has taken place over the past decade enabling the district to use the General Fund to finance. The sources include leveraging state funding and use of local resources responsibly to maximize taxpayer value while meeting the needs of our growing community.
School board members key role is to establish policy. Responsibilities include hiring and evaluating the superintendent and treasurer, providing governance and fiscal oversight as well as serving as a voice for the community. I am the best candidate to fulfill these roles because I have been serving in office since January 2020, improving student outcomes and enriching educational experiences for all students. I support initiatives that contribute to equity, safety and wellness, and educating the whole child. I served as the board president, vice-president, legislative liaison and delegate. I have managed the hiring, negotiation and evaluation of the superintendent and evaluation of the treasurer.
Since my appointment to the board, and from the beginning of my first term, I have made it a priority to engage openly and transparently with residents and community stakeholders. I approach every decision with the big picture in mind, always guided by what best serves the greater good of our district. Meaningful engagement with the community is essential to that process. I attend school and community events, engage with the local Chamber of Commerce and interact on social media platforms. My approach is participatory and respectful.
I build consensus and resolve disagreements by first listening carefully to all perspectives and ensuring every voice is heard. I thoroughly vet and research the issue at hand, considering both the data and diverse viewpoints of stakeholders. From there, I work to identify common ground and develop clear action items that move the conversation forward in a productive way. Throughout the process, I communicate respectfully and transparently, fostering trust and collaboration even when differences remain.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
