1. What motivated you to run for the Nordonia School Board?
As a former Board Member, I was approached by many people in the community to run again because they liked what I did while I was on the School Board.
2. In your view, who is the primary group you will be serving as a school board member, and why?
The primary group a school board member serves is the community it represents. The Board needs make sure the District is fiscally responsible and help establish long range goals for the future of schools and community members.
3. What is your experience with Nordonia Schools?
My son is a Nordonia graduate and I served approximately 2 years on the School Board so I have knowledge and experience of our District.
4. What skills, strengths, or perspectives do you bring that make you well-suited for this role?
As a former Board member, I understand how the Board operates and what the relationship is between the Board, the Superintendent, and Treasurer. As part of a labor union, I bring knowledge and experience in contract negotiations. As a police officer for the last 30 years, I can offer suggestions where there are safety issues.
5. A key responsibility of the School Board is ensuring the public is well-informed. How do you plan to ensure that accurate, timely, and transparent information about our schools is shared with the community?
Like many people, I am not active on social media, trying to reach people can be challenging, so I would ask to speak at community events to reach more people.
6. What do you believe Nordonia Schools are doing well?
I would like to see Mr. Wright continue to “right-size” our District. I feel he is moving in the right direction and I would like to see his work continue.
7. In what areas would you like to see Nordonia improve?
They need to find a way to reach other people in the community and not rely so much on social media. This was a problem when I was on the Board and I would like to work with the other Board members to find a solution.
8. If elected, what would be your top three goals as a school board member?
- Review the budget with the Superintendent and Treasurer to get a full understanding of the current state of the schools.
- Discuss with the other Board members possible ways to reach more people in the community
- Spend time at each building to get a better idea of what may be needed
9. Can you explain the difference between an operating levy and a bond issue?
Operating levies are used for general operating expenses. Salaries, maintenance, books and supplies are some examples. Operating levies can be for a limited number of years or it can be continuing. A Permanent Improvement levy (PI) can only be used for permanent improvements such as roof replacements and also for purchasing Chromebooks. PI funds cannot be used for general operating expenses. A bond issue is used to fund stadiums and buildings with a fixed length.
10. If you could change one thing about Ohio’s school funding system, what would it be and why?
The State of Ohio should put more money into school funding and take the burden off the residents. They could revamp the lottery system so schools receive additional income.
11. How would you balance the need for quality school facilities with the responsibility to be fiscally accountable to taxpayers?
Asking for all new buildings was not a fiscally responsible option in 2021. I think with a well thought out plan of replacing a couple of buildings with one new consolidated building would be much more manageable than trying to build all new buildings. Start with one, show that the District can stay within budget while cutting costs. That is what people need to see.
12. How familiar are you with the current state of Nordonia’s school buildings?
Very familiar. I’ve toured each building, reviewed maintenance reports, and spoken with staff about facility challenges. Many of our buildings are aging and require significant updates to meet modern educational standards and safety expectations.
13. Do you support the idea of developing a master facilities plan, and how would you engage the community in that process?The District already spent around $95,000 on a Master Facilities Plan from Sol Harris in 2021 that really didn’t provide much information.
14. A bond issue for new or renovated school buildings has been discussed in Nordonia in recent years. What is your perspective on pursuing a bond issue, and what factors would influence your decision?
The bond issue failed because people weren’t being heard and didn’t agree that all new buildings were needed and at such a high cost and with a vague explanation of what would be done. Many questions were left unanswered. Before pursuing a bond issue, a sound plan needs to be presented to the public so they can make the decision to support a bond issue or not.
15. What would you do to ensure that classroom materials, books, and curriculum reflect a broad range of experiences and identities, so all students can see themselves represented?
I support State and Federal law and I will ensure the District is following necessary guidelines as I would not want the District to risk losing any funding because of poor decisions. Every student that walks through the door at Nordonia should feel safe and accepted.
16. Do you have a favorite Nordonia tradition (sports, band, events, etc.)?
My favorite event that I have attended is the BUDS Event at the end of the school year. It brings a lot of schools together. I have been the Santa for BUDS for the last three years. I love seeing the kids and talking with them. The smiles are nothing anyone can imagine.
17. What’s the best piece of advice you ever received from a teacher, coach, or mentor?
Be myself, work hard, listen, and take in whatever people are saying, and try to be a great team mate.
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