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November ballot light on education issues, candidates
Not much in the way of education issues on the November ballot but the state board races are heating up.
Northeastern will seek approval on a one-mill permanent improvement levy for a fifth time, my colleagues Bridgette Outten and Matt Sanctis. There’s also a renewal levy from Cedar Cliff schools, the Greene County district in Cedarville that apparently crosses into Clark County.
Here’s a list of Clark County issues and Champaign County issues.
But we do actually have a race — with more than one candidate and everything — in the state board of education elections this November. There are three people running for the District 10 seat that covers Clark County and two for the District I seat that covers Champaign County.
State board candidates file with the board of elections in the largest county in their district. There are 11 districts. With 88 counties in Ohio, some of the districts are rather large, as you can see. No one local has filed for either seat.
In addition to 11 elected district representatives, there are 7 appointed board members. Incumbent Jane Sonenshein of Loveland is seeking re-election to the District 10 seat. Two challengers have filed — Jeffrey Hardin of Clermont County and John McHenry of Scioto County — according to the Clermont County Board of Elections.
In District I, incumbent Lou Ann Harrold is not seeking re-election. Two women have filed to run for her seat — Ann Jacobs of Lima and Tracey Smith of Van Wert, according to the Allen County Board of Elections.
I have urged people before to pay attention to the state education scene. Many times, people will vote for a state board candidate with no clue about who the candidates actually are.
But the state board can make changes that affect local districts and local people. For example, last year, the Ohio Education Association became very upset when fees for licensure for educators were raised — a decision made by the state board of education.
Look for more on these candidates soon.
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