Campaign Phone
6145704127
Occupation
Professor
Education
B.S. Education (Mathematics) ; M.S. Statistics ; Ph.d. Mathematics Education (Statistics Concentration)
Qualifications for Office
Elected to Bexley Board of Education in 2021; Professionally - Award winning 4-decade educator with managerial experience. Personally - Inaugural President of Bexley Minority Parents, Former church board member & Small group leader. who is heavily involved with Bexley athletic, academic, and municipal programming.
The discrepancy between local values & state policy changes is acutely problematizing matters for residents in two key areas - school funding strategies & support for students who have been historically at the margins. Efforts to decrease funding from the state places more responsibility on the voters. Financially shrewd districts might have to reduce their cash balances. Residents want to support their local schools, but placing voting on levies every 3 years can be exasperating.
Exasperating can only begin to describe the emotions students at the margins may face. They need to feel safe, express themselves with confidence, and thrive both socially & academically. Local residents know that this must be reflected in statewide policies.
I learned early in the first half of my term as a board member, that it is better to collaborate than to compete. I learned to mesh my own priorities with the needs of the schools and my fellow board members. "It is less about me, and more about we."
With that said, I want to continue the work that WE have been doing for the last few years.
- listening to residents' ideas about financially supporting our schools
- supporting the work in our classrooms (especially our students at the margins)
- supporting our district leadership
- working collaboratively with the City of Bexley
I was involved in these areas before and after my election in 2021. Now, as a re-election hopeful, it would be an honor to see it all thru to fruition.
Boards of education function best when 5 individuals (or 7) work as 1 unit. This is not to emphasize uniformity, but to stress the importance of unity. We must learn others' points of view, and then to chart a way forward that works for all.
The board supervises the superintendent & treasurer; and then, in turn oversees the health & functioning of the district.
In my tenure on the board, I have been involved with: union negotiations, the technology committee, and been on executive boards for both athletics and finances.
But, it has been endearing to hear that community members appreciate my "visibility" & "empathy." They know I support their events & listen to their challenges.
I have the experience & heart to continue on BCSD's BoE.
This is 2025, we must lean into digital communication and even the appropriate use of social media. I will continue to read emails and have conversations in structured settings.
Again, I'm seeing that as a board member, some of the best conversations occur as I'm in in the community. Attending a school event, and someone approaches you. Or, striking up a conversation with a family at Starbuck's. These informal engagements can help underpin community trust. Even while waiting at the Pickleball court.
We will have the formal meetings about Bexley's future academic & athletic footprint. We will continue listening to residents at our monthly board of education meetings. We will work with PTOs, boosters and, of course, our student leaders.
In my 4 decades in education, I was once a department chair. I learned from my supervisor (dean) a few ways to build consensus - as this was not initially my strength.
He remained level-headed, encouraged both groups, and usually had already established a rapport with stakeholders long before any impasse. It was almost less about the exact issue & more about how it was being addressed.
I learned from those early years that compromising has some individual loss, for the greater good. I learned:
- the benefits of apologizing & giving praise.
- the importance of active listening.
- that it's acceptable if both sides need to pause & re-visit later.
Finally, I learned to follow-up some time period later, to confirm sustained resolution.
Campaign Phone
6143525464
Occupation
Public Finance Investment Banker
Education
Bachelors of Arts from University of Dayton and Masters of Public Administration from the John Glenn School of Public Affairs
Qualifications for Office
20+ years experience working with Ohio school districts on finance and policy related matters.
I think the two most significant issues facing our community are related to taxes and technology. In all parts of Ohio, and Bexley is no exception, the burden of property taxes has become significant. As our District looks to continue operating at a high level and adding new projects it is important we work together to find the most equitable funding solutions. Additionally, Technology is an increasing area of focus and concern. As a Board it is important that we make sure we are deliberate, appropriate and measured in how we handle technology in our classrooms and spaces during the school day.
My number one priority is keep Bexley schools among the best schools in the state. It is important that the District continue to value our teachers and focus on programs to drive positive outcomes for all students.
My two years experience as a Board member provided a solid understanding of the responsibilities of a School Board member and will allow for the District to build upon the work we have already completed.
I will continue to seek out viewpoints from all members of the community and consider their input in the decisions I make.
Our community stakeholders come from diverse backgrounds and have different perspectives and interests. This diversity is a strength, but it can also lead to disagreements and conflicts. It is important we build consensus and resolve disagreements effectively and respectfully. It is crucial that we maintain transparency throughout our decision-making process and clear communication will help build trust to ensure that everyone is on the same page. We should also be open to feedback and willing to adapt our approach as needed.
Campaign Phone
614-364-1442
Occupation
I am a partner at the Remington Road Group, an Ohio-based public affairs firm.
Education
I completed my bachelor's degree at The George Washington University.
Qualifications for Office
As a current board member, I strive to champion the vision, values, and mission of our community-led strategic plan and support district policies so each student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. I have worked on the district's strategic & equity plans, modified numerous district policies, advocated for our recent operating levy, and served on the facilities planning committee.
Boards of education face challenges related to ever-changing federal and state laws and school funding policies. As a member of the district’s policy committee, it has been challenging to revise policies to ensure the district adheres to laws and regulations while remaining true to our district’s mission and vision. As we await the state’s Property Tax Reform Working Group recommendations, there is a level of anxiety about how their recommendations will impact our budget. Districts need necessary cash reserves and stable revenues, 62% of which in our district comes from property taxes, to adapt programs and services to meet students' educational needs and provide resources for teachers to support their students’ educational journey.
I will continue to work with staff and administrators on funding curriculum and materials to meet the goals and initiatives of our strategic plan and students’ educational needs. Recently, the district reviewed the delivery of education and services to students with disabilities. Following the review, a committee developed a 3-year plan to implement recommended improvements. I will continue to track the implementation of these recommendations and advocate for their funding. Our district is also considering the first phase of our facilities plan. I will work with the relevant committees and board to determine the best options for this phase and how to fund facilities improvements.
The board is the governing body for the district, determining the overall goals and educational priorities for the district. The board approves and drafts policy recommendations reflecting changes in state and federal policy, and, at the suggestions of administration and teaching staff, allocates resources and approves the 5-year forecast to ensure the fiscal health of the district. A board member is also a liaison between the district and the community and builds consensus among the community on the district’s goals and vision for the future. A board member also needs to be a strong advocate for public education.
As a board member, I value student voice and community input when it comes to decision-making. The district’s final strategic and facilities plans included hundreds of data points from district-hosted community meetings, online and mailed surveys, and numerous working groups. Additionally, the district’s teams tasked with finalizing these plans provided the board and community with progress reports. Our district also values communications from community members and students who provide testimony at our regular meetings, as well as the input through their participation on working groups and support organizations like booster groups, parent-teacher organizations (PTOs), and other support organizations.
Our district must continue to engage a diverse group of stakeholders to listen and share ideas, build consensus, and forge a path to continuously improve teaching and learning, school culture, and our learning environments. An inclusive and transparent decision-making process also provides buy-in from the students, staff, and community to implement a new policy or program. When these conversations are tense or when the district faces challenging periods, it is also important not to run from them. We need to communicate with parents and students and have an honest dialogue to address issues, provide resources to implement solutions, and allow students and teachers time to rebuild relationships and trust.
