Campaign Phone
6149616392
Occupation
small business owner
Education
BS Textiles and Clothing - Ohio State University; Master of Marketing and Communications - Franklin University
Qualifications for Office
18 years as a small business owner with expertise in collaborative and critical thinking, communications, budgeting and community building. Mother of three children in the Westerville School District.
Currently we are facing major funding cuts from the State, as well as the outcome of a previous levy failure. I would say currently budget is on everyone persons mind as we move forward with a new income tax measure on the ballot. I think it is most important that we do everything we can to safeguard programs that affect academics and kids directly before all else. I think educating the public is key to sharing what would be at stake if funding is cut any further.
My priorities for this term are prioritizing children's needs for having the resources they need in school to be successful first and foremost. I am also prioritizing supporting and expanding mental health resources and support in our schools.
I also want to focus on supporting teachers. Teachers are tasked with so much during the school day and often do not have the resources needed to support that those asks. I believe that they are truly doing the hardest job teaching the next generations of students and need our full support in order to be successful. Finally, I want to focus on responsible budgeting and transparent communication with our school and outside community regarding fiscal decisions.
The role of a school board member is focused on creating policies, overseeing the budget, collaborating with the superintendent, and creating connection between the district and the community. I believe this position requires someone who works well collaboratively; who is passionate enough to advocate for kids; someone who has great critical thinking and communication skills, all of which I believe I possess as a candidate.
I believe that everyone should be able to make their voice heard. I think being open to regular open conversation; round table discussions between representatives from our schools, our administration and community members are essential to ensuring we hear every perspective.
I think disagreements will occur and learning to navigate those times and listening to each other is how we stretch and grow as individuals and as a community. I want to approach these times with interest in other opinions, and by always focusing on the common goal of the process, educating and supporting kids.
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Occupation
Non -Profit Sector / Government
Students today face a lot of challenges, from reading loss due to covid, to lack of preparedness for the workforce. In my time as vice president and a member of the board, we have prioritized increasing literacy rates, developing new ways to ensure career readiness, and meet the needs of our students. I believe that integrating technology-assisted learning tools tailored to individual reading levels can enhance literacy instruction. These adaptive programs offer immediate feedback, making them particularly beneficial for struggling readers, including English language learners and students with disabilities.
One of my main goals is to continue investment in our schools, at a time when state and funding is under attack. We will have an income tax levy on the ballot this November to help us bridge the gap in funding. Once re-elected, I want to make sure this funding is equitably distributed throughout the Westerville City School District, the 12th largest in the state of Ohio. Another priority of mine is to engage with students, parents, and educators to maintain constant communication and ensure transparency for myself and the board. I hope to maintain our high level of involvement and investment in our schools by passing the levy in November. Vote yes!
My responsibility in this office is to be an engaging, responsive, and communicative member of the community who oversees the operation of the schools. It is my responsibility to advocate and fight for our children's future and ensure they have a high quality education. I am a first generation student and proud product of public schools who is running to be a voice for equity, transparency, and to put students first. As a parent to a young child, I am always thinking about how I can strengthen our schools to support his educational journey. I have built a career in nonprofit leadership and public affairs, focusing on advocacy and supporting underserved communities.
As Vice President of the school board, I plan to host quarterly meetings that include key district personnel who can address questions and collect feedback. Additionally, I will continue the “Around the Table with Anisa Liban” listening series, launched this summer, which aims to bring together parents, staff, students, and educators. I recognize that many caregivers and parents may face challenges such as the digital divide, transportation issues, and language barriers. Therefore, it’s crucial to make technological updates such as adding an easy to use contact form to the website and holding meetings that allow me to listen and relay important information from the district in collaboration with district leaders.
My goal, is that even if / when people disagree with a decision that the school board takes or I take, people will feel heard and respected in the process. We are going to disagree at times as a community. It is important to civilly engage and respect one another in our disagreements. I hope to allow for a constant open pathway of communication where patents, teachers, and students can talk to me honestly about their experiences and opinions. I hope to engage with community organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, the League of Women Voters, new immigrant communities, and other community partners to make sure all voices are heard. That is how we build consensus.
Campaign Phone
614-638-8948
Occupation
Environmental Advocacy Consultant and CEO
Education
Master's of Science from James Cook University in Natural Resources Management; Bachelor's of Science in Environmental Biology & Business Administration; Graduated from Westerville North Highschool
Qualifications for Office
For 4 years, I’ve proudly served on the Board of Education, delivering results by listening, building consensus, and elevating diverse voices. With multigenerational roots and a parent of two students in soccer and band, I know the value of strong academics and extracurriculars. With 20+ years of leadership, I’m deeply committed to ensuring every student receives a high-quality education.
Funding remains our greatest challenge—since 2021, Westerville has been underfunded by over $29M. Rising costs and a failed 2024 levy have forced difficult cuts, but this November’s earned income ballot measure offers a path forward. I am committed to educating and engaging our community to support the ballot measure while building trust through open communication and listening. One of my first goals is a survey to learn how our community wants to receive information and share feedback, ensuring our strategy reflects real needs. I will also keep advocating with legislators by working with our Superintendent and Treasurer to invite them into our buildings and showcasing the incredible programs that prepare our students for lifelong success.
My top priority is ensuring every student has the tools to succeed—academically, socially, and in developing real-world skills. That means investing in student-centered programs that meet individual needs, while also supporting our educators with the training and resources necessary to help students thrive. I am committed to creating safe, welcoming schools where every child feels valued and every staff member is supported. To finance these priorities, I will ensure every dollar is spent wisely and equitably, so our investments reflect what’s best for our kids—whether in classrooms, theaters, band rooms, or on the field. Strong stewardship and transparency are essential to building community trust and securing the funding our schools need.
The Board of Education sets policy, approves budgets, and ensures resources are used wisely to provide every student with a high-quality education. Board members represent the community, listen to diverse perspectives, and work with the superintendent to set the vision for our schools. I bring proven experience as a current board member, a Westerville alum, and a parent of two students. With over 20 years in nonprofit leadership and policy, I know how to navigate complex challenges, build consensus, and together with staff and the community, advocate for what’s best for kids. My deep roots in Westerville, combined with a record of listening and collaboration, make me well prepared to continue serving our students, staff, and community.
Transparency and two-way communication are central to how I lead. It’s vital to understand diverse perspectives from students, staff, families, and community members when making decisions. To truly hear our community, we must be creative. I want to begin with a survey asking how people prefer to receive information and share feedback—so we’re building around real needs. In addition to addressing those needs, I’ll use tools like rotating “coffee chats” and attend committees with teachers and students to listen and learn. Most importantly, I believe in closing the loop—reporting back what we heard and how it shaped decisions. That’s how we build trust and ensure every voice matters.
For over 20 years my professional work has centered on bringing people together to create meaningful change, and I carry that same approach into my service on the school board. Building consensus starts with listening—truly hearing the perspectives and concerns of students, families, staff, and community members. I focus on finding common ground, clarifying shared values, and creating space where all voices feel respected. When disagreements arise, I work to identify solutions that address underlying needs rather than focusing on divisions. By fostering open dialogue, transparency, and collaboration, I help move groups from conflict toward collective action that strengthens our schools and serves students best.
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