School Boards set educational goals, establish policy, plan student services, establish budgets and long-range plans, create community relations programs and communicate with the public. They employ superintendents and treasurers to manage schools in accordance with school board policies. Decisions are made by the board as a whole at public meetings.
Home City or Township
Marion Ohio
Current Occupation
Commercial Lender
1. School finances. With recent changes at the state funding level, our duty as board members is to navigate these waters as best we can to have a plan for any financial volatility, and to find a way to offer benefits to our students whenever possible. This needs to include grants, community provisions, and even partnerships with our local businesses.
2. Job readiness
Our students need to be ready for one of the three Es. Enrolled, enlisted, or employed. RV needs to continue our focus on career tech education as well as preparation for college. School should prepare students for real world success, whatever that may look like.
3. Security. In my first term on River Valleys Board I am proud of the robust security protocols that we have developed. We need to continue this initiative to ensure our students have safe space to learn.
Education/Training/Experience
BS History - US Air Force Academy, MS Psychology - Cameron University; 24 years as an Air Force officer and over 30 years experience as a leader in aviation safety, training, and oversight
Home City or Township
Richland Township
Current Occupation
Air Carrier Safety Inspector
Our students are our community’s future. Every issue that the school board addresses must be centered on what is best for all our current and future students. Our school board must have a vision for the future and a strategic plan to execute that vision. The most important issue for our students is to have a safe learning environment that includes a capital plan for our facilities and equipment. The second most important issue is accountability to the public by ensuring our policies demonstrate that the district is working in the best interest of our students. The third most important issue is to advocate for our students and public education within the community and more importantly with our state-wide elected officials. If re-elected I intend to continue focusing on our students with strategic planning, accountability and advocacy.
Education/Training/Experience
Bucyrus High School, Hocking College - Fire and Emergency Services, Bowling Green State University, 23 years of service at Marion Fire Department
Home City or Township
Marion Township
Current Occupation
Captain at Marion Fire Dept
Social Media
N/A
The first issue affecting our local school district are state cuts to local school funding. Ohio legislators voted to reduce school funding by $2 billion statewide over the next two year budget cycle. As a school board, we need to reach out to our elected officials and educate them on the needs of our students and staff at River Valley LSD.
Secondly, teacher recruitment, retention, and support is another issue facing our district. As a school board, we need to explore ways to attract and retain highly qualified educators.
Lastly, fiscal responsibility and transparency are two parts that blend with district taxpayers and we need to remain open to discussing the mission and future of the district.
Candidate has not yet responded.
