Campaign Phone
6147789291
Occupation
TESOL teacher, Groveport Madison Local Schools
Education
Masters of Arts in TESOL, Ohio Dominican University '15
Qualifications for Office
13 years of education, working 9 of them in Southwestern City Schools. Speaker at Ohio TESOL conference. Receive 180+ hours of professional development in education every 5 years.
Within the Southwestern City Schools community, one of the most significant challenges facing the community is diversity and equity. There are many resources within the community, but not all of the schools are receiving these services, which puts some schools at a disadvantage over others. The schools also have large populations of immigrant families, and in the current political climate, these families need to feel supported. I plan on looking into having town halls throughout the community that allow these families to come in and voices their concerns with others in the community, so they feel more comfortable, and in a low-stakes setting.
I plan on re-joining the Vouchers Hurt Ohio lawsuit, which does not necessarily require financial assistance. It will be a fight that requires having a majority vote on the board to join. Being a recipient of the free breakfast and lunch services that are offered through government resources. This requires that we are able to submit paperwork that proves we are eligible for such services.
Board of Education members vote and make key decisions that affect the school district as a whole-- students, educators, administration, community members, and parents. Within the sphere of education and curriculum, I have been an educator for 13 years. I have worked in several school districts, and I have firsthand experience with how some of those programs work, and am able to offer insight. Board of Education members also are tasked with creating a bridge between the community and the district. I believe the current Board of Education only focuses on a particular subset of the community, and I have connections and knowledge of other communities within the district. Board of Education members also need to be held accountable for actions.
As I mentioned before, I plan on hosting town halls. I would like each attendance zone (4 high school zones) to host town halls monthly, and make sure we get the information out in all of the languages that are spoken within the district. The meetings should be within the community zone, so those without transportation are more able to attend. I would like all board members to be there, but if it I just me, it is a task I am more than willing to take on.
When it comes to allowing everyone to feel heard, there are going to be disagreements that arise. I find one of the things that must be done when going a direction that makes some people unhappy or disgruntled, is making sure they understand that you heard and appreciated their thoughts and input, and that it will still be recorded and saved in case anything arises in the future that could be applicable. It is important for the community stakeholder groups to remember that the focus of our decisions is to increase student success and to build a unified school district.
Occupation
Firefighter
Education
Some College
Qualifications for Office
Current Board President
The biggest challenge in my opinion is having structure and discipline in our schools and especially in our classrooms. Without structure within our schools, learning cannot take place like it should. The South Western City schools have been out in front of eliminating distractions from banning cell phones and holding students responsible for their actions. Teachers are having a hard enough time getting our students ready for life, that they don’t need to be dealing with distractions in the classrooms. This effort will continue with the help of our students, staff and parents to make our learning environment a place for growth for our students.
My biggest priority is to keep the momentum of the board going into the next 4 years. As the board president we have restricted cell phone distractions, required board meetings to be recorded and posted online, placed American flags in all classrooms, reinstated the Pledge of Allegiance as a daily tradition, expanded trade and career programs, expanded resource officers, added therapy dogs in our schools, saved over $200,000 in attorney fees over the past 2 years, added new sports programs, helped parents with ticket prices for our school events and are in the process of starting a finance committee. These are just a few items that is getting the South Western City schools on track for the future of education.
A school board main role is to set policy, we aren’t here to run the day to day operations. The superintendent which is hired by the board, runs the day to day operations. In setting polices for the district, we hear from our community which are truly the ones that run this district. We are elected officials which make policies based on the values of the community. As the board member and board president I truly believe the policies, especially the last two years have really helped this district get back to the main goal of public education; to educate.
I am not a guy who likes to communicate via text or email. I would rather talk to people in person. I really believe you cannot have a meaningful conversation through emails or text, that is why my telephone number is on the schools webpage. If you know me, I love to get out and just talk to people in person no matter where I’m at, I’m a board member that gets out into our schools on a regular bases to find out how the board can help out our building staff. Also with our district having so many events, my schedule as a firefighter allows me to attend many of those events to meet and get input from a different point of view.
As a board member I will always try to build consensus by listening to all sides to get their perspective on issues, from those perspective I will make a common sense decision that I believe is best for our district and especially our students. There will always be disagreements but I promise my decision will revolve around, what is best for students.
Campaign Phone
6145519379
Occupation
College Professor
Education
BA Psychology (Kenyon College, 2000), MA Psychology (Vermont College, 2003), MA Communication (The Ohio State University, 2015), PhD Communication (The Ohio State University, 2016)
Qualifications for Office
I have lived in the district for over 20 years, have 2 children who are educated in the district, am a proud product of public schools, have been a strong advocate for public schools, an educator, and a person who wants equal opportunities for ALL our students in our ENTIRE district.
The school funding in Ohio has been unconstitutional & unfair for a generation. We need strong, fierce advocates on our board to fight for the money our district has saved and raised. We need to make sure we spend wisely & not $9k/mo for a private lawyer to help obfuscate the board's decisions. We should be fighting AGAINST our dollars being sent to private schools via vouchers without income, need, or teaching standards.
Our district is diverse in neighborhoods (rural, suburban, urban), cultures, & socioeconomic status. Our board should ensure equal opportunities for ALL types of learners in our district, no matter their path or origin story. We should NOT be aligned with organizations who discriminate against too many of our children.
The first short term priorities are to terminate the contract for the private attorney for the board (not the district) immediately and review all executive session transcripts and minutes and determine what can be released or explained to the public. The first long term priority is to visit each building in the district and hold listening sessions for staff, teachers, and families. I believe it's incredibly important we begin to truly embrace ALL of the students and communities in our district and a great start would be to actually hear from and see them. If we cannot get enough done during regular board meetings (e.g., reading policies, discussing important questions from the public) we need to find a way to do so publicly and efficiently
The school board adopts policies and guides the operations of the district, works closely with the superintendent and treasurer to make sure the budget and spending are sound, determine hiring, firing, and leave requests, invite stakeholders to present reports and requests about the district, hold open meetings and other opportunities for stakeholders to communicate concerns, praise, and questions.
I would like to expand our use of Roberts Rules to allow for longer conversations during public discussion and participation at board meetings. We would also hold listening sessions, either in person or via surveys, for EVERY building in our district scheduled around the community's needs. I also intend to request reports from each board member regarding any correspondence they receive from stakeholders via phone, mail, or email. It is likely if one citizen has an issue or question, multiple citizens have that same issue or question. If we make a conscious effort to help our community see our transparency in real time, it could go a long way in trust.
I have found finding common ground amongst individuals is the straightest path to consensus or compromise. In a school district, we all want our children and community to succeed in the most fiscally responsible way. Knowing this is the end goal, we can determine the best means to get there.
Campaign Phone
6144392485
Occupation
Consultant
Education
High School, Additional credentials specific to many applications. Microsoft office 360 proficient. Specific software use and applications
Qualifications for Office
Leadership, Business owner, Experienced, Strong communications skills, Collaborate with others for the common good. Problem Solving, Critical thinking skills and thrive when tough decisions must be made..
Our kids are facing real challenges. Nearly 70% of kindergarteners start school unprepared, already behind in basic skills like early literacy, social development, and number sense. Later, 40% of our students leave high school without the life skills they need—like critical thinking, communication, or financial literacy. This isn't just a school issue; it's a community issue. We must work together—families, educators, and local partners—to support early learning, strengthen home-school connections, and ensure every student is equipped not just to graduate, but to succeed in life.
My top priority is helping students succeed beyond the classroom by expanding access to athletics, arts, clubs, and community partnerships that build leadership, teamwork, and lifelong skills. Engaging students in positive activities sets them up for success far beyond graduation. I’m also committed to strengthening a school culture grounded in respect and hard work—values that drive academic success and real-world readiness. To support these goals, I’ll seek grants, partnerships, and sponsorships, while using existing funds, wisely ensuring resources go directly to students without increasing the burden on taxpayers.
Governance, Policy Development, Policymaking, Public Representation and Accountability.
A school board member must lead with integrity, listen with empathy, and act in the best interest of students, staff, and the community. This isn’t just where I live—it’s where I grew up, went to school, raised my family, and now watch my granddaughter begin her journey. I’ve been a dedicated PTA member, youth coach, and advocate for families in need. Professionally, I bring strong business and financial experience, along with a history of fighting for students—even during tough times. I’m running because I care deeply about this district, and I’ll always put students first in every decision I make.
True engagement starts with meeting people where they are—in their experiences, perspectives, and daily lives. Too often, input is limited to formal meetings that many can’t attend. I believe in a more proactive, inclusive approach: hosting pop-up conversations at school events, local businesses, and games—places where families naturally gather. I’d explore mobile board sessions and launch “Community Voice Panels” of students, parents, and educators to advise on key issues. Engagement shouldn’t be a checkbox—it’s a commitment to listening, learning, and leading together. That’s the board member I strive to be.
Building unity starts with listening. Too often, people feel unheard—that’s where division begins. I believe in creating space for honest dialogue where every voice matters. When conflict arises, I focus on shared values like student success, safety, and community well-being to guide us forward. I support collaborative problem-solving, where we explore solutions together and no one feels left out. To strengthen trust, I’d focus on proactive outreach, especially to those who feel disconnected. When more people are engaged early and often—and we celebrate small wins—we build real community, grounded in purpose and belonging.
Occupation
Logistics Management
Education
1996 graduate from Southwestern City Schools
Qualifications for Office
I am a graduate of, and a concerned parent in this district. Professionally I have extensive experience as a project manager and a strategic planner. I am an excellent listener who loves to build and lead teams of people.
I believe two of the biggest challenges facing our students are safety and distractions in the schools. Our district has 32 different buildings with children in them and only four School Resource Officers. I believe we need to increase the number of officers in the schools, especially at the lower levels. We also need to work hand in hand with local law enforcement to have a comprehensive safety plan for each building that protects the children and our staff. To eliminate distractions, we need to remove ideology from the classrooms, be more strict with discipline, and improve the quality of communication with the parents so they are more involved in their kids education. This will help the kids perform better in the classroom.
My primary priorities are safety and supporting all paths to success for the students after they graduate. Our district has done an outstanding job with our finances. We have have saved almost $200,000 over the last two years in legal fees alone. And that is with recent contract negotiations with the teacher’s union. This savings should increase over the next few years. With this savings I would invest in additional School Resource Officers and other safety measures. I would also invest in training and materials for the district’s staff so they can help students identify their path after graduation. This will help the staff better prepare the kids for college, military, the arts, or the work force.
The main role and key responsibilities of the school board are to hire and fire the Superintendent and Treasurer for the district. After that, the next responsibilities of the school board are to help set the policies that guide the district. My professional background is in Logistics Management. The has given me extensive experience as a project manager and strategic planner. These roles have given me lots of experience listening and working with others. I’m also personally vested in the success of our district. My wife and I both graduated from Franklin Heights High School and we are currently raising our own kids here. I’ve lived in the district for over 40 years and want the best for the children and community.
I think a survey needs to go out to the community on how they would like to interact with the school board. I would also like to see a scenario where the board holds a community forum at each high school. With four high schools, the board could hold these forums at a different high school each quarter. They could start out by talking about recent successes, current projects, and a financial update. Then open it up to questions from the community.
One of our district’s strengths is our diversity. We cover rural and urban environments, dozens different ethnicities, and a wide range of financial backgrounds. This means we have a wide range of opinions viewpoints. Whenever possible, the district should have as many viewpoints represented so they can be heard. Then, as a board, they would have to listen more than they talk and try to find the best solution to every issue we face. Then the board needs to do its best to explain the reasoning behind the decision they made.
Campaign Phone
(614)563-4684
Occupation
Licensed Social Worker
Education
Bachelor's Science in Social Work (2002) & Master's of Social Work (2004)-The Ohio State University
Qualifications for Office
Reside in South Western City School District. Currently in appointed seat on the board.
South Western City Schools spans urban, rural, and suburban communities, creating a uniquely diverse district. This diversity benefits students and staff through broader experiences and access to federal grants.
However, size brings challenges—higher costs, staffing demands, and the risk of some areas being overlooked. Needs vary by school, and not all students experience the same diversity.
I will advocate for equitable resource allocation, tailoring investments to each building’s needs. By directing resources where they are most needed, we can close gaps, prevent inequities, and ensure every student has strong opportunities, no matter their ZIP code.
If elected, I will ensure every Board of Education decision puts students first. My priorities are equitable resource distribution so all schools can meet their unique needs, meaningful support and professional development for educators, and stronger family and community engagement. I will champion equity, collaboration, and opportunities that prepare every student for success, while advocating for legislation that strengthens public education funding at the state, local, and national levels.
The South Western Board of Education’s role is to set the vision, policies, and priorities that ensure every student receives a high-quality education. This includes fiscal oversight, supporting and evaluating the superintendent, and making decisions that advance equity, achievement, and student well-being. The Board bridges the community and schools, representing all stakeholders. With 23 years as a licensed social worker, over two decades in public service, and a long-standing commitment to our district, I bring proven leadership, fiscal responsibility, and a deep understanding of diverse community needs—making me the best candidate to guide our schools’ future.
Engaging residents and community stakeholders is essential to making informed, equitable decisions for our district. I believe effective engagement starts with being accessible, transparent, and responsive.
I will attend school and community events, neighborhood meetings, and forums to hear directly from parents, students, educators, and residents. I will maintain open communication channels—through email, phone, and social media—to ensure community members have multiple ways to share their perspectives.
I believe in proactive outreach. Not every stakeholder can attend meetings, so I will work to bring conversations to them-visiting schools, partnering with local organizations, and connecting with underrepresented groups to ensure all.
When differences arise, I work to clarify the underlying needs driving each position. Often, disagreements stem from misunderstandings or incomplete information, so transparency and open dialogue are essential. I also value data-driven decision-making—using facts, research, and outcomes from comparable situations to guide discussions toward solutions that serve the entire district.
In situations where compromise is necessary, I strive to ensure the outcome is fair, balanced, and sustainable, while keeping the district’s mission at the center. My role is to mediate respectfully, encourage constructive conversation, and help stakeholders see how their input shapes the final decision.
