Change Address

VOTE411 Voter Guide

WORTHINGTON CSD BOARD MEMBER {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

Click a candidate icon to find more information about the candidate. To compare two candidates, click the "compare" button. To start over, click a candidate icon.

  • Candidate picture

    Jennifer Hitt Best
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Mike Boggs
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Kelli Davis
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Sheena Costa Flowers
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Nikki Hudson
    (NP)

Biographical Information

What do you see as the one or two most significant challenges facing the community and students you would serve, and how would you propose to address them

What are your primary priorities for your term in office, and how would you plan to finance these priorities?

Please describe the role and key responsibilities of this office, and explain why you are the best candidate to fulfill them.

How do you plan to engage with residents and community stakeholders to ensure their voices are heard and represented in your decision-making?

Describe your approach to building consensus and resolving disagreements among different community stakeholder groups.

Campaign Phone 6145659715
Campaign Email jenniferbestcpa@gmail.com
Campaign Mailing Address 2168 SUTTER PKWY
DUBLIN, Ohio 43016
Occupation Self-Employed CPA
Education B.S. from OSU
Qualifications for Office I am a lifelong resident of the Worthington School District, and an active school, civic, and community volunteer. I have served as a Worthington Libraries trustee, and have now served on the Worthington School Board for 24 years. This has certainly taught me a lot about challenges and opportunities in the district, along with listening to and responding to a variety of community perspectives.
I see various legislative proposals that cut school funding and limit local control as one of our most significant challenges right now. We need to work with legislators throughout the state and our community to ensure they understand the repercussions of various proposals.
- Academics First! Every child should read by 3rd grade, and all students should be challenged to do their best. -Help ensure the district does not go back to the voters for a levy until 2028 -Be an advocate for public education -These priorities are more about time, process, and attitude than funding.
The official role of a school board member is to set policy, and also hire and evaluate the superintendent and treasurer. Along with this, we need to be barometers of public opinion, comments, and concerns, using this information to help guide the district. I feel I am the ”Best” candidate to fill this role, not only due to my name, but due to my 24 years experience on the Board, my work as a CPA, and my lifelong involvement in this community.
I have always been very involved in the community, by attending chamber events, working for a few local nonprofit organizations, being a member of a local Rotary Club, and attending many school events. I have a granddaughter who will be in Kindergarten here in Worthington next year, and it has been a great way to keep in touch with some of the younger parents I read and respond to emails, and try to get an idea of issues being discussed on social media. Board members are all on several district committees, and attend superintendent coffees, where we can hear community comments and concerns. We all participate in student feedback sessions where we have a chance to hear about the district from the students’ perspective.
The Worthington district has done a good job over the past 20 years of building consensus. When a difficult decision has to be made, a community task force, made up of a variety of stakeholders, is organized. This group is educated on the topic, and lead through discussion of pros and cons to come to a recommendation. These task force recommendations are typically well received by the community, and I think it is a great process.
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 Mailing Address P.O. Box 340131
Columbus, Ohio 43234
Occupation Administrative Assistant
Education BA in Criminology
Qualifications for Office Current Worthington Board of Education Member, President 2025
A significant challenge is the substantial rise in support needed for students across multiple populations. Examples include our growing English language learner population, increased need for students with disabilities, and addressing achievement gaps, all requiring enhanced resources, individualized support, and compassionate care. We must provide teachers and staff with resources to meet students where they are and support every student's educational experience. I'm committed to assisting in developing strong, student-centered policies that outline assessment of student needs, support practice to provide professional development, and ensure adequate staffing levels to support both students and educators in achieving academic success.
One of my primary priorities is fostering student and community engagement through inclusive dialogue that amplifies all voices. I will contribute to developing innovative strategies responsive to our diverse student population's needs, creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing perspectives. This strengthens community bonds and improves student outcomes. I plan to continue building meaningful partnerships with students, families, staff, and community members, ensuring open communication so everyone feels informed, valued, and empowered to contribute to our collective growth. This will be achieved through strategic resource allocation and community partnerships.
A school board member's role is to support the mission and vision of its district and its community. We serve as stewards of public education, developing policies that directly impact student achievement while supporting district leadership and community needs. We partner with administrators to advance our district's mission and vision through strategic governance. My four years of board experience, including three years on the policy committee, have prepared me to continue this work. I bring deep knowledge of our district's challenges, proven collaborative leadership, and unwavering commitment to our school community. Daily, I work to understand evolving educational needs and contribute meaningfully to solutions that benefit every student.
I believe in meeting community members where they are, whether at neighborhood gatherings, community events, or over friendly coffee chats. I'm committed to being approachable about how stakeholder input shapes our decisions while also working to remove barriers to participation through proactive outreach to underrepresented groups. I'd like to develop more organized ways to engage with our community, creating structured opportunities for input and feedback that ensure community perspectives directly inform board decisions. My goal is ensuring every community member feels they have a real voice in the policies that affect students' futures and the strength of our entire community.
My approach centers on active listening to truly understand all perspectives before seeking solutions. I prioritize building authentic relationships with diverse community members through regular engagement and open dialogue. When disagreements arise, I focus on identifying shared priorities while respecting different viewpoints. For particularly challenging conversations, I believe utilizing local facilitators who can help navigate complex issues objectively would be valuable. Lasting consensus comes from ensuring every voice feels heard and valued in our decision-making process.
Campaign Website http://SheenaForUs.com
Campaign Mailing Address 8192 Bertson Pl
COLUMBUS, Ohio 43235
Occupation Director of Total Rewards.
Education Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Business Management and Human Resources, Capital University.
Qualifications for Office Nearly 20 years of HR leadership in strategic problem solving, budget management, and stakeholder engagement across corporate and community settings. I’m a proud Worthington parent, coalition-builder, and proven collaborator, committed to strengthening public education through transparency, equity, student-powered decisions, and shared accountability.
Worthington faces two interconnected challenges: helping every child thrive in a rapidly changing world and maintaining fiscal trust amid evolving state funding pressures. Across Ohio, districts are navigating rising expectations—and the moment calls for student-centered, future-ready learning. I’ll champion education that nurtures well-being, curiosity, collaboration, and real-world skills aligned with our Portrait of a Learner. At the same time, I’ll advocate for sustainable resource alignment that prepares us for funding shifts while keeping student needs at the center. Grounded in data, driven by purpose, and inspired by people, I believe we can adapt with optimism—together!
My top priorities are: building stronger partnerships between schools, families, and educators; supporting mental health and well-being for students and staff; and ensuring every student is prepared for life after graduation—whether that’s college, career, or community contribution. I will advocate for smarter use of district resources, better alignment between budget and outcomes, transparent financial planning, and targeted use of grants and community investment. I support innovation that improves efficiency without compromising educational quality, and I will listen carefully to families and taxpayers to ensure our financial decisions reflect shared values.
A school board member is a steward of public education—responsible for setting policy, approving budgets, hiring the superintendent, and ensuring that all decisions prioritize students and academic success. I bring nearly two decades of experience leading cross-functional teams, optimizing complex systems, and driving growth. I listen well, lead with empathy, and work across differences to find solutions. As a Worthington parent and active community member, I understand the lived experiences of students, families, and teachers. I will serve with transparency, curiosity, and a deep commitment to preparing our students to thrive now and into the future.
I believe representative leadership begins with intentional listening. I will host listening sessions, attend community events, engage diverse groups across the district, and create spaces for open dialogue. As a parent and HR leader, I know how to build trust, navigate complexity, and ask the right questions. I will be accessible, proactive, and transparent, and I will uplift voices that have been left out of the conversation. It’s not enough to speak for the community—we have to speak with the community.
Consensus begins with mutual respect. I create environments where different perspectives are valued and where people feel safe sharing both concerns and hopes. I seek common ground through shared values and clear goals—like student achievement, safety, fiscal responsibility, and belonging. My approach is intentional, collaborative, and data-informed. I don’t shy away from disagreement; I believe thoughtful debate leads to better outcomes. With deep experience in HR and conflict resolution, and a personal investment as a Worthington parent, I’m ready to unite stakeholders around bold yet balanced solutions.
Campaign Email votenikkihudson@gmail.com
Campaign Website http://votenikkihudson.com
Campaign Mailing Address 250 E SOUTH ST
WORTHINGTON, Ohio 43085
Occupation Intellectual Property & Brand Protection Attorney
Education Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Miami University; Juris Doctorate from the University of Cincinnati College of Law
Qualifications for Office Having served 8 years as a member of our School Board, I am experienced in community leadership and advocacy. By volunteering for multiple boosters and the PTSO, I remain in touch with opportunities and challenges. As an attorney for over 25 years in national firms and multinational corporations, I am skilled at governance and bring a rational and action-oriented skill set to our Board.
Our district faces its most significant challenges at the state level, where public education continues to come under attack. Ohio's budget for fiscal years 26 and 27 increases funding for private schools while providing public schools with their smallest funding increase in a decade. Combined with Ohio's latest voucher program, these policies make it clear that our current state legislators do not prioritize education for ALL students. It is crucial to remember that only public schools serve every child in their residential area. Private school programs, in contrast, can and do turn students away. Continuing to educate our community and encouraging civic engagement remains a key strategy for addressing these ongoing challenges.
Our district's most significant local challenge and one of my primary priorities is to address our elementary school facilities. While we have successfully resolved overcrowding and aging issues at our middle schools and are currently tackling similar problems at our high schools, our eleven elementary schools still need attention. Moving forward will require our community to unite once again and align on a recommended solution. I am proud of our district's tradition of engaging community task forces to address these challenges, and I would strongly support this collaborative approach once more. This collaborative approach will determine the best means to fund changes that are needed in our elementary schools.
The School Board's role is governance—engaging with the community, staying informed, asking the right questions, and supporting the superintendent and teachers. Board service differs from partisan representation as members must "render all decisions based on facts and independent judgement," not which group has the loudest voice, but what's best for all students. My 8 years demonstrate I'm the best candidate, having successfully advocated for and/or supported: (1) free universal all-day kindergarten; (2) the Portrait of a Learner - outlining our vision for student success, emphasizing skills and mindsets needed for a rapidly changing world; and (3) centralization and coordination of support structures and mental health service.
I have consistently engaged with our community throughout my tenure, hosting student listening sessions, community coffee chats, and participating in regular volunteer activities. These experiences have provided invaluable insights into stakeholders' needs and concerns. Moving forward, I will continue expanding these proven engagement strategies and I am always open to new forums. My approach centers on meeting people where they are—whether students in schools, parents at school events, or residents at community events. My experience on the Board has shown me that meaningful engagement requires consistent presence and genuine dialogue. I remain committed to maintaining these open communication channels.
My approach to building consensus centers on shared values and evidence-based decision-making. When disagreements arise, I ensure all stakeholders have access to the same objective information, as this creates a common foundation for discussion and disagreements often stem from incomplete information rather than fundamental differences. My conversations with stakeholders have shown that transparency with data builds trust. By consistently returning to evidence and research-based best practices, we find solutions that satisfy diverse concerns while focusing on what data shows is best for all students.