Campaign Phone Number
3302979704
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing; Associate of Arts – Kent State University / Licensed and Ordained Pastor, Leadership Focus Program, Church of God Ministries, Anderson, Indiana
Training & Experience
Four years/4 months-Ravenna Board of Education; Five years-Pastor, Ravenna Avenue Church of God; Thirty years-Kent State University, majority of years in Division of Student Affairs. Three years-private industry; Nine years-Portage County Government
Volunteer & Community Service
Children's Advocacy Center (Board Member); Raven Packs (Board Member); Ravenna Parks and Recreation (Board Member); Center of Hope (Volunteer); The Shepherd's House (Volunteer
Some of the current challenges facing my district include improving academic performance/progress and increasing attendance rates. Additionally, hiring and retaining qualified teachers and staff. As well as keeping our students and staff safe. A review of family/parent support programs to improve and keep our families engaged with the school district to ensure academic progress for all students. I would address these challenges by continuing to work with the other Board Members, Administration and the community on the strategic plan and the initiatives that are in place to improve in these areas. Communication and transparency on all levels will be essential to moving the district forward.
I would continue to be available to advocate for our students as well as be accountable to the community I represent. I believe in partnerships between the Board, school district and community and will invest the necessary time and effort to stay connected and prepared to serve in the position.
A board member is responsible for staying abreast of and understanding the current issues facing public schools on the local, state and federal levels and how they impact our school districts. One must be knowledgeable and possess the ability and temperament to converse and interact with various groups regarding their concerns with education. A board member must be able to agree to disagree and continue to work for the improvement of an educational system that benefits all students. The public-school landscape is rapidly changing, and we must figure out a way to work together to provide knowledge, critical thinking skills and abilities to ensure that our students receive the best possible education to be self-sufficient and prepared to contribute to our future society.
Campaign Phone Number
330-389-8131
Education
Ravenna High School, Mount Union College
Training & Experience
When I was a newspaper reporter, I covered numerous school boards, including Ravenna Board of Education, and understand how school boards operate and the responsibilities of a board member. I have also volunteered and served on numerous boards of directors for area groups.
Volunteer & Community Service
Main Street Ravenna Board, 8 years; Rotary Club of Ravenna, 3 years; Ravenna Boys Soccer Boosters, 3 years; United Way of Portage County Community Impact Committee, 8 years
The Ravenna School District is working hard to overcome some big challenges financially, even with the recent levy approval. On top of this, we need to work on student achievement. While some grade levels are doing well, others are in need of additional support, especially in reading and math. Recently, the district implemented a new reading program, which has helped improve scores, and the district is getting ready to begin using a new math curriculum. I think this is a great step forward to address these challenges. Also, like many districts, we’re struggling to keep and recruit great teachers, bus drivers, and specialists. It's important to understand why these challenges exist and how other districts might be successfully addressing this. Most importantly, we must keep students at the center of every decision by focusing resources on early literacy, math support, and strong teaching staff.
I have lived in Ravenna all of my life. I am a graduate of Ravenna Schools, have a current high school student, and have two children who have graduated from Ravenna. I understand the challenges facing the school district and the challenges of being a parent of a student in the district. My primary responsibility would be to serve as a trustee for the community, focusing on long-term student success as well as building relationships with the community and parents, teachers and staff, and the superintendent and administrators. I would work to stay informed about educational trends and policies, as well as school finance and educational initiatives.
Before making a decision, it is important to understand all sides, follow the law and district policies, and, most importantly, focus on what’s best for students. Board members must be transparent, fair and communicate openly while encouraging respectful dialogue. Ultimately, the goal should always be to make decisions that support students’ learning, well-being, and success.
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