School District Candidates in Knox County
In order to provide information on candidates running for election throughout Knox County, Knox County Democratic Party chairwoman Kathy Tate mailed a questionnaire, via the U.S. Postal Service, to the candidates’ mailing addresses on file with the Knox County Board of Elections. In cases where an email address or a phone number was available, further attempts to get the information were made. Below is the information received from school district candidates.
If you are a candidate who has not yet responded but would like to have your information posted, please email Kathy at kathytate@knoxcountydems.org
Knox County Educational Service Center
No candidate petitions filed
Centerburg Local School District
Position running for: Member of Centerburg Board of Education
Name of Candidate: Tracey Myers
No response received as of September 28, 2023
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Position running for: Member of Centerburg Board of Education
Name of Candidate: Lynn McCann
No response received as of September 28, 2023
Danville Local School District
Position running for: Member of Danville Board of Education
Name of Candidate: Patrick Crow Sr.
Education:
Graduate of Danville High School; Bachelor of Science Degree – Ohio State University in Engineering Physics/Electrical Engineering.
Background/Qualifications:
- Founder & Officer – Downtown Options Corp. – 30 years
- Executive Director Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau – 25 years
- Project & Construction Manager – Woodward Opera House Restoration – 23 years
- Project Manager/Grant Writer/Rehab Specialist – Downtown City of Mount Vernon & Knox County Community Housing Improvement Program
- Director – Dan Emmett Music & Arts Festival – 21 years
- Mayor of Danville – 12 years
- Village Council – 4 years
- Lions Club Past District Governor & State Official – 13 years
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-crow-36960218/details/experience/
Why are you running/what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?
My School Board Objectives and Areas of Focus:
- Improve the retention of teachers and staff.
- Integrate the purposes, resources, and leadership of the Danville Schools to improve the Danville area community.
- Create a comprehensive planning process for the Danville Schools that includes all community stakeholders.
- Assure that Danville Schools focuses on critical life skills for our students as part of our curriculum development and improvement as it relates to that which the school board can influence and support.
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Position running for: Member of Danville Board of Education
Name of Candidate: David Dusthimer
Education: Associates in Arts & Science, University of Cincinnati BSBAdm, Ashland University duel major in Finance & Management w/minor in Accounting
Background: Retired business owner
Why are you running/what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected? I’m running for reelection.
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Position running for: Member of Danville Board of Education
Name of Candidate: Chantele Looney
Education: Bachelor’s in Science of Nursing (BSN) – Mt. Vernon Nazarene University, Master’s in Business Administration with a focus in Healthcare Administration (MBA-HCA) – Mt. Vernon Nazarene University
Background/Qualification: I am a graduate from Danville High School. I am an active community member and parent of children in the district. I have taught adjunct for Mt. Vernon Nazarene University 4+ years and held several different leadership positions within my profession.
Why are you running/what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected? I am running for a seat on the board because I believe that I could be a positive influence in our community. My primary reason and interest in running for this position are the kids in our community. I want to ensure that teachers & kids have the resources needed to be successful. I believe that through transparency the community, educators, administration & students can work together to continue to provide a high quality education.
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Position Running for: Member of Danville Board of Education
Name of Candidate: James M. Smith
Education:
Danville High School (1994); Bachelor’s of Arts in History from The Ohio State University (1999); Post Bachelor’s Certification in Secondary Education (Social Studies) from Denison University (2000)
Background/Qualifications:
- 24 years in Education as a High School Teacher
- Life-long resident of the community (Danville)
- Passionate about seeing young people receive the best education possible and I care tremendously about my community.
Why are you running/what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected? I am running because I feel our kids deserve the best education possible. I received an amazing education as a student in the Danville school system. This education helped mold me and has allowed me to be a successful adult. I will look at every issue from the perspective of what is best for the students. I want to ensure that we have great teachers working in our schools. Education is vital to the success of the students and to the community at large. In small towns like ours the school is the heart of the community.
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Position running for: Member of Danville Board of Education
Name of candidate: Dawna Stephens
No response received as of September 28, 2023
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Position running for: Member of Danville Board of Education
Name of candidate: Carolyn E. Addair
No response received as of September 28, 2023
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Position running for: Member of Danville Board of Education
Name of candidate: Joshua Byers
No response received as of September 28, 2023
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Position running for: Member of Danville Board of Education
Name of candidate: Darrel Severns
No response received as of September 28, 2023
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Position running for: Member of Danville Board of Education
Name of candidate: Chris Colopy
No response received as of September 28, 2023
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Position running for: Member of Danville Board of Education
Name of candidate: Tanya Elliot
No response received as of September 28, 2023
East Knox Local School District
Position running for: Member of East Knox Board of Education
Name of Candidate: Lindsay Bush
Education: I graduated from East Knox High School in 2004.I got my Bachelor’s Degree In Sports Management With A Minor In Business and Coaching From Bluffton University in 2008. I got my Masters Degree In Business from Heidelberg University in 2010.
Background/Qualifications: I am currently a member of the East Knox School Board. I have served as school board president for one year.
Why are you running/what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected? I am running for another term for school board as I am an East Knox alum and I find it very rewarding to give back to the community that has given so much to me. I care about all of the children in this district and want to help them get the same education I was given maybe even better as there is always room for improvement.
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Position running for: Member of East Knox Board of Education
Name of Candidate: Mark Hiner (Learn more about me at Mark4EastKnox.com).
Education: Ashland High School, 1982. Ashland University, Bachelor of Science Degree in Broadcast Engineering Technology, 1986. Ohio University, Masters Degree in Business Administration, 2006.
Background/Qualifications: My wife and I have raised two children that now have their own families. I have previously run a large youth sports league in Pickerington. I have attended East Knox Board meetings for over two years. I am very familiar with the issues in our district and in public education.
Why are you running/what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected? I would like to improve transparency and accountability in our district. We need to focus on improving academic performance. We need to ensure that our kids are safe. The next board will hire the district’s next Superintendent; it is critically important to hire the right person.
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Position running for: Member of East Knox Board of Education
Name of Candidate: Kathleen “Kathy” Tate
Education: BS in Business Management University of Phoenix, AA Liberal Arts Diablo Valley College Concord, CA, Certificate of Achievement in Electronics
Background/Qualifications: 30 plus years Computer Hardware and Software support and service as well as Customer Training. Worked as a volunteer with political advisory committees. Served as an officer in various volunteer organizations. Chair, Knox County Democratic party. With my background in customer support, I am a problem solver. Served in the US Air Force.
Why are you running/what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected? I believe that public schools should be public with no state or local funds provided to schools that have 501c3 tax exempt status or are run for profit. I do not believe religion should be discussed or promoted in public schools unless ALL religions are discussed without promoting one over the others. Book banning should not be done without research and fact finding. Transparency in board activities has not been as open as it could be. We need live, in-person/virtual board meetings that are recorded. The public should be able to submit comments about and ask questions of any replacement board members before the board votes on them. The board needs to work closer with the Superintendent. Next year a new Superintendent will be hired. The board needs to work with the Ohio School Boards Association to find qualified candidates. The public should be notified who the candidates are so they can make public comment. The Board needs to follow their own policies. I believe, as a board member I can help achieve this by implementing the policies I mentioned.
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Position running for: Member of East Knox Board of Education
Name of Candidate: Dean Opfer
I already plan on creating a FB page that will have all of this information on it.
Education: Massillon Jackson High School: 1987-1991, The Ohio State University: 1991-1996
Background/Qualifications: Current interim member of the East Knox School Board (as of June 2023). I have 27 years of experience in the financial industries owning and operating my own P&Ls and Balance Sheets, as well as owner and operator of two other businesses here in Knox County. I have also given my time and assets volunteering for the children of the East Knox School District since moving here in 2008. This includes, but is not limited to:
- running the children’s Easter and Christmas programs at Apple Valley for the past 13 years
- helping facilitate the Apple Valley Girl Scout Troop 519 for eight years
- helping facilitate the East Knox Schools PTO for the past 9 years
- financial support/contributor to the East Knox School Boosters for the past 7 years
- started, organized, grew and facilitated the girls’ basketball program for 3rd through 6th Grades from 2013 through 2019 (still in operation today)
- donated the key assets for multiple East Knox Schools Sports teams’ fundraiser raffles
- running clock, keeping book, and line judging for Elementary, Junior High and Varsity Girls’ Basketball and Volleyball
Why are you running/what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected? There are 991 currently enrolled reasons (students) why I chose to apply with the East Knox School Board for the Interim School Board Member position in June. After multiple candidates were interviewed for the interim position, I was unanimously voted in. I have quickly acclimated myself and have learned much in my short tenure as a current East Knox School Board member. I fully understand the time commitment necessary to give it my all for our kids and our community, and that doesn’t scare me. Because of the positive feedback from multiple members of the community and school staff that have attended recent board meetings (or even have not attended), as well as the feedback from fellow board members, I have taken that positive encouragement in stride and chosen to run for the remaining 2 years of my current interim position that otherwise would end in December. As far as what I want to accomplish, I do not have a set agenda. That being said, I have yet to experience a school system and community that didn’t have constantly changing needs (including our own). I want to utilize my learned career and personal skillsets, my time, and my due diligence to the best of my ability in hopes of enriching the culture and prosperity of our schools, our kids, and indirectly our community that adopted my family so many years ago. If in the polls my community says this is another way I can give back, then know that I hear you, and will represent you to the best of my ability.
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Position Running for: Member of East Knox Board of Education
Name of Candidate: Alan Huffman
Education: 1993 Mount Vernon High graduate. 1993-1996 Ohio State University.
2010-2011 Colorado State University
Background/Qualifications: Parent of 2 East Knox students (3rd and 4th grade). Local youth football and soccer coach. U.S. Army Iraq veteran
Why are you running/what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected? As a parent of 2 students I want my children and their classmates in the best school possible, not one receiving failing grade cards from the state. My priorities are to improve our youth reading abilities, improve our students experience by improving accountability for bullying, and increase discussion with teachers on ways to improve student learning
Fredericktown Local School District
Position Running for: Member of Fredericktown Board of Education
Name of Candidate: Kristine Lindeman
Education: 1994 graduate of Clear Fork High School, some college courses at BGSU and Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Background/Qualifications: My husband and I have lived in the Fredericktown School District for 23 years. We have two daughters: a 2021 FHS graduate and an FMS 7 th grader. I served on the PTO for 8 years and as a classroom volunteer. I currently serve as: Finance Chair and children’s ministry volunteer at Cornerstone Community Church, Chair-Elect for Richland Area Chamber and Economic Development, Fredericktown Community Development Foundation committee member, Advisory Committee member for the College U Business at KCCC, member of the Fredericktown Parent Advisory Committee and owner of Alumni Roofing Company and The Shoppe on Main.
Why are you running/what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?: Being a school board member will allow me to give back by using my background, experience, and passion for the community to increase opportunities for our students and district. I believe a diverse skill set and variety of backgrounds are key to an effective board. With a seat on the board, I will bring new skills, connections, and resources to the district. I am also eager to learn more about school funding to help make the best decisions for our students and staff.
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Position Running for: Member of Fredericktown Board of Education
Candidate Name: Candice J. Gallagher
Education: College graduate with a degree in Education from Bowling Green State University
Background Qualifications: I was a teacher with Fredericktown Local Schools for 32 years. I retired in 2015, and wanted to serve my district in the capacity of a school board member because I believed that I had something to offer in regards to a background knowledge of education and the function of schools. I ran for a board seat for the 2016 election year and was elected to my first term. I again ran in 2020, and was reelected. I have served in the capacity of President of the board twice, and vice president. I am currently finishing out my second term.
Why are you running/what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected? I believe that I have more to offer the school system with all of my educational experience and having served two terms as a board member. Fredericktown Schools are doing great things, and I still want to be a part of offering my educational knowledge in growing Fredericktown Schools to continue to be a great school.
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Position running for: Member of Fredericktown Board of Education
Name of Candidate: Shelly Wenger
Education:
- Graduate of Fredericktown High School
- Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering/Environmental from Ohio Northern University
Background/Qualifications:
- I reside in Fredericktown with my family and I have lived in Fredericktown for most of my
- Life.
- I am a parent of a recent FHS graduate and a freshman at FHS
- I managed and owned Burch Hydro, a family business in Fredericktown, for many years
- I volunteer my time as a 4H club advisor, a Music Boosters volunteer, a member of the
- Parent Advisory Committee, and at my church
Why are you running/what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected? I have always been a Freddie, residing and working in the community for almost all of my life. My allegiance to the school district and community is deep. My small-business background has given me strengths and experiences to offer that would add variety and value to the school board. I am excited to learn and to use my skills to help provide the new generation of Freddies with the best educational opportunities possible.
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Position running for: Member of Fredericktown Board of Education
Name of Candidate: Todd McClay
Education: Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Bowling Green State University/Medical College of Ohio
Background/Qualifications: Have been on the Fredericktown School Board for eight years. Knox County Career Center Liaison and member of finance committee with the Fredericktown School Board. Recipient of the Ohio School Board Association Award of Achievement. Finance committee and Stewardship Campaign Coordinator at Cornerstone Community Church. Supervisor at OhioHealth Marion Rehabilitation Department for over 20 years.
Why are you running/what do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?: I want to continue to serve the community as your school board representative and focus on communication, being present at school functions, and financial responsibility.
Mount Vernon City School District
Position running for: Member of Mount Vernon Board of Education
Name of Candidate: Margie Bennett
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No response received as of September 28, 2023
Position running for: Member of Mount Vernon Board of Education
Name of Candidate: Jolene Goetzman
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No response received as of September 28, 2023
Position running for: Member of Mount Vernon Board of Education
Name of Candidate: Tim Workman
No response received as of September 28, 2023