Five candidates are vying for three four-year terms on the Chardon Schools Board of Education Nov. 7. They are candidate Sharon Madger, incumbent Karen Blankenship, incumbent Guy R. Wilson, and candidates James Midyette and Andrea Clark. Read their responses to the Maple Leaf election questionnaire below.
Five candidates are vying for three four-year terms on the Chardon Schools Board of Education Nov. 7. They are candidate Sharon Madger, incumbent Karen Blankenship, incumbent Guy R. Wilson, and candidates James Midyette and Andrea Clark. Read their responses to the Maple Leaf election questionnaire below.
What motivated you to run for your local school board?
Blankenship
I am the proud grandparent of three future Hilltoppers and I want to fight to maintain stability in our district so they can have the same or additional resources, programming and opportunities that every student in Chardon deserves. I believe in Chardon students and their future in our community.
Clark
I have been involved in the schools as PTO President at Munson as well as active PTO member and robotics club volunteer at CMS. I’d like to continue supporting Chardon’s students, staff and administrators as a member of the school board. The students in the Chardon school district are my top priority. In collaboration with the teachers, administrators and other board members, I will work hard to make sure that every child is given the opportunity to succeed and have access to a high-quality education. I truly believe the public schools are the backbone of our community and we need folks like myself, who have the best interest of our children and schools in mind, on the board. I am not running with a goal of achieving a personal or political agenda.
Madger
The true strength of any community is the willingness of its residents to get involved. I am one of those residents. I love Chardon, believe I have experience that will benefit my school district and want to help the district move forward and continue its success.
Midyette
I am motivated to serve on the Board because I have four children in the Chardon Schools; therefore, as a district parent, I have a vested interest in their ascension. I owe my engineering career to public education, which prepared me for life and set me up for success. I believe in the opportunities that public education affords, I love Chardon and I am proud of our public schools. I believe that our kids are enjoying a high caliber education experience at Chardon Schools and, if elected, I will serve to ensure that positive experience continues.
Wilson
There is no single issue that motivated me to run for the board of education. I want to protect the progress we have made in building the Chardon school district over the years and want to continue to increase the quality of education for our students. A good public school is the heart of a community and attracts people to the community. I value public education and see service on the board as my way to support it in our community and the country. I have a lifelong commitment to the value of education, having pursued an advanced degree and worked as a visiting assistant professor at Virginia Tech. I believe my experience in private industry can be applied to running a public school district.
Does your district align with your vision of education for the community? If yes, in what ways? If no, what changes should be made?
Blankenship
Yes, I believe Chardon provides opportunities for a well-rounded education for our students. I also believe that schools must adapt to this ever-changing environment to prepare our students for their futures. Chardon has done a great job of providing students with access to different programs and opportunities through STEM, engineering, video production and CREW, to name a few. New this year is a program to give younger students exposure to different world languages.
Clark
When my husband and I moved to Chardon, we were specifically looking for a school system with an “Excellent” distinction or higher. Chardon met that requirement and continues to perform well. Not only are we rated highly, but we have innovative programs which help develop our children into the next generation of well-rounded citizens in all areas including enrollment, employment or enlistment.
After vision meetings from the district last year, the feedback was used to create the 2023-2028 success plan. I would like to ensure we are striving to complete implementation strategies described in that plan, especially in the areas of communication and community connections, as well as facilities and engaged student learning.
I look forward to helping wherever possible as a member of the board.
Madger
Yes. My vision of education is as follows and I believe Chardon local schools wants what is best for all students.
Enabling and helping students fulfill their full potential as empowered individuals, become productive members of their communities, effective participants in the economy, and engaged citizens of the U.S. to compete in our world.
Midyette
Yes, as Chardon Schools are preparing our students to competitively pursue one of the 4E’s following graduation: Employment, Enlistment, Enrollment or Entrepreneurship. Not only is the district implementing its curriculum as prescribed by the state, but according to the 2023 Ohio State Report Card, our district ranks in the top 10% of Ohio’s local school districts. As a professional engineer, I value math and science, but these are only part of a well-balanced education. Language arts, history, health and physical education, fine arts, music and athletics are commensurate in rounding out the student.
Wilson
Yes. Chardon is a high-performing school district that ranks in the top 10% of the state and has a high graduation rate. However, test scores and state report cards are only a part of the picture.
In addition to great educational programs, we have excellent teachers, staff and administrators who are committed to educating and supporting our students wherever they are in their education. We have strong executive leadership with the superintendent and treasurer committed to doing the right thing for our students. We have a wide range of extracurricular activities that help develop academic, interpersonal and leadership skills in our students. Whether it is a sports team, theatre production, or academic competition, there are opportunities for our students.
What are the major challenges facing your district, and how can the board address them?
Blankenship
As much as I would like to see new facilities for our school district, I understand that the voters spoke in the last bond issues, and we listened. I believe we are headed in the right direction with the building modifications that we have done in recent years to provide an environment more conducive to learning. I would like to see the district to continue focusing on all areas of our success plan 2023-2028 that was created with administrators, staff and community members. Even though this plan was adopted earlier this year by the board, it is hard to predict in the ever-changing climate what state requirements and community direction may exist in the next four years.
Clark
I feel as if there is a sense of distrust of our educators and administrators despite their degrees, certifications and years of experience. Some of this may be derived from misinformation and rumors presented in today’s landscape of unchecked internet statements. Combined with today’s polarized political climate, we have driven a gap into our community. We should work to bridge the gap and create more trust within our schools via open communication. I am happy to speak with community members, helping them seek out answers from the appropriate sources. I am willing to share school publications and information with folks who may not be aware. Balancing perspectives can be a challenge for the board, but we must set our personal beliefs aside and focus on our student’s needs and success.
Madger
One of the major issues at Chardon local schools is infrastructure. Many updates have already taken place and a short-term plan, comprehensive plan and long-term plan to enhance existing facilities and operations as well as funding capital improvements in the district can be developed. The goal is to meet identified instructional and extracurricular needs.
Midyette
Largely, I believe our kids are receiving a world-class education at Chardon Schools, which will ultimately prepare them to be competitive upon graduation. The district is on sound financial footing and should not need to put another levy on the ballot for at least five years. We need to see an implementation of the goals outlined in the district’s five-year plan. Specifically, the district needs to identity areas of security vulnerability and implement any necessary enhanced safety methods. Further, we need to continue to invest in improvements to our buildings and properties.
Wilson
The January 2023 board-adopted success plan defines the focus areas that should be addressed over the next five years. This includes communications, safety and security, resources and fiscal responsibilities, facilities and operations, engaged student learning and community connections. As an oversight group, the board can address these by ensuring adequate resources are devoted to these and that we continue to make progress.
State funding remains uncertain. The board needs to be united in efforts to prevent the diverting of funds to private and unaccountable organizations. This is for both operating a district and for the buildings of the district.
What do you feel are the board’s primary roles and responsibilities? Do you feel your local school board has, until now, fulfilled those roles? If yes, how? If no, where have they fallen short?
Blankenship
The board is primarily responsible for hiring the superintendent and treasurer, adopt policies and provide fiscal oversight for the taxpayers. A board member is not involved in the day-to-day operations of the district and they cannot act alone on making decisions. Board members come from different backgrounds with individual viewpoints, but when action is taken by the board, each board member should respect that decision.
I believe the board has fulfilled our responsibilities and provided the district with professionals that not only provide a stable environment, but they work hard to address the needs of our students to help them succeed in whatever path they choose to take.
Clark
A school board member must remember they are one in a team of five; their role in the district is to work within this team of 5 people to listen, compromise, and approve all policies, contracts, budgets, curriculums, and such brought before them by the superintendent and treasurer. They must keep in mind the needs of students, teachers and staff along with the wants of the community. As an active parent in the schools, as well as out in the community via kid sports and personal activities, I feel as if I can keep in touch with both school and community members to be sure everyone’s wants/needs are considered. Schools are the heart of our community and as a board, we need to support them.
Madger
In general, the school board has three major responsibilities: developing the annual budget to run the school system; setting school policies; and hiring and evaluating the superintendent and treasurer.
I believe the Chardon local school board works hard to fulfill these roles and responsibilities.
I have attended school board meetings and read the agendas of items that need to be discussed, approved and/or evaluated. The board works as a team with the superintendent to approve curriculum, discuss and approve the budget, report of the different projects that are underway and report on activities and programs that the students are doing.
Midyette
The Chardon school board is the elected governing body of the Chardon local school district, setting policy, employing the superintendent and the treasurer, and advocating for public education. Per board policy, the board’s primary concern should be for the best educational interests of all students. In my view, largely, the board has met its obligation to the district and is effectively executing its mission. This is evidenced by the fact that, generally, our students are graduating ready to competitively pursue a career or higher education.
Wilson
The board is a policymaking and oversight body. They work with the superintendent and treasurer to create the vision and goals for the district. They review and vote on issues that affect finances and the educational opportunities provided to the district’s students. Members are advisors to the superintendent on community attitudes. Board members do not manage the day-to-day operations of a school district. The board hires and evaluates the superintendent and treasurer. They should render decisions based on the current facts, independent judgment and in the best interest of all students. They should avoid succumbing to the influence of individuals or special interests. I feel our board is fulfilling those roles but I do get concerned with the influence of special interest groups.
The Ohio Department of Education recently made changes to its statewide report cards to better reflect district performance. What metrics should a local board of education use to determine whether its goals are being met and its policies successfully carried out?
Blankenship
I am proud of where Chardon Schools are today with curriculum/programming offerings compared to where we were 12 years ago. With the 2022-2023 report card data, Chardon ranks 62nd or top 10% in the state of Ohio.
I believe all metrics are important and need to be continually evaluated, but some of the metrics cannot be found in the state report card. School districts need to be evaluated for everything they do daily to provide a well-rounded education for all students. For example, the Chardon Middle School earned the Governor’s Thomas Edison Award for Excellence in STEM Education and Student Research for the second consecutive year. And Chardon High School was once again recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of the area’s top high schools.
Clark
Though the state report card shows how Chardon performs compared to the Ohio districts (via a five-star rating system) in key areas including Achievement, Gap Closing and Graduation, the board must consider other metrics which truly present a comprehensive view of the district’s success. What percentages of students participate in extracurriculars including sports, music or drama programs, STEM clubs and more? How are the district’s programs and facilities supporting all 4 Es: education, employment, enlistment and entrepreneurship? Are we accomplishing the 2023-2023 success plan action items? Are we meeting all these various metrics deeming us “successful” in comparison to the dollars spent in the district? The board must receive reports in all these areas and truly determine if we are succeeding.
Madger
According to the Ohio State ODE website, Chardon local schools receives annual ratings from the ODE based on six components: achievement, progress, gap closing, early literacy, graduation and readiness. Schools can earn up to five stars in each category in increments of half-star ratings. I believe these metrics should be used to determine whether Chardon local school’s goals are being met and its policies are being successfully carried out.
Midyette
Board policy po2131 provides the metrics against which the district may determine how effectively its mission is being executed. Some of the criteria include: the student graduating with the skills necessary to pursue a career or higher education after graduation; the student employing an ethical and empathic behavior and attitude; the student’s ability to handle change and to maintain personal physical and mental health; and, where applicable, the student meeting the educational goals as outlined in their IEP. Employing a prescribed curriculum, pursuant to state law, a district may judge itself against metrics such as these.
Wilson
The state report card is a good first start to guide areas of focus specific to the district. Metrics can have unintended consequences especially as we are dealing with people (students) with a variety of abilities, backgrounds, and interests. I like the approach Chardon has taken by adding the quality profile. This helps communicate the overall educational value of the Chardon local school district in broader areas than the report card- school, student, and staff achievements, career readiness programs, intervention programs, community relations, finances and facilities. One area we have looked at is assessing how students have fared after graduation. This is difficult to track and measure but deserves future consideration in improving our programs.
What are the expectations for public behavior for members of the board of education?
Blankenship
Board members are the liaisons between the district and the community. They need to be able to listen to concerns and relay those issues to the superintendent. And even though they may have an opinion, the board president is the spokesperson for the board and the superintendent is the spokesperson for the district.
Clark
Board members must be respectful and kind citizens in the community. Just as I teach my own children, I would expect board members, as adults, to follow: although we may not personally understand or agree with someone else’s religion or lifestyle, we must respect it.
Madger
Each board member is expected to agree to abide by a code of ethics that is in the school board policy. This is not an all-encompassing list: obey the laws of Ohio and the USA, respect the confidentiality of privileged information, recognize that as an individual board member I have no authority to speak or act for the board, work with other members to establish effective board policies, avoid conflicts of interest or the appearance thereof, express my personal opinions but, once the board has acted, accept the will of the majority to name a few.
Midyette
Board members are expected to adhere to the Codes of Ethics and Conduct as set forth in the policy manual. If elected, conforming to policy, I would vote according to the facts and my own judgment, rather than that of others. I would avoid conflicts of interest, recusing myself when necessary. Further, I would support board decisions, even if I were not personally in favor of such. By holding myself to the highest standards of conduct and ethics I would, no doubt, promote honor for the board, as well as our schools.
Wilson
A board member needs to remember that they have no power as an individual. Their power comes only when attending and voting at an official board meeting. A board member should not make any promises or commitments to members of the public. They should listen to concerns and take those back to the superintendent and president of the board. Allow the superintendent to address these and do not engage other staff members — adhere to the chain of command. Be careful that you are not trying to micromanage or influence the district based on feedback from a small number of individuals or special interests.
After reviewing the current and/or proposed budget for your school district, where would you look to make budget cuts if elected? What areas would you not consider cutting?
Blankenship
According to our vie-year forecast, Chardon schools are in a good place financially and I don’t believe there is anything that needs to be “cut.” Our administrators and staff work hard to research other income resources such as grants and/or ways to reduce expenditures to be fiscally responsible with our taxpayers’ dollars. I have seen what happens when we must cut budgets because of failed levies and it is the students that suffer the most.
Clark
It is not forecasted that the district will need additional operating funds in the next four years. We need to continue to competitively compensate teachers and support staff. It is also important to provide all learning tools and updated technology utilizing the current funding options, including ESSER funds and the Tan Loan. Should a cut in state funding cause the district to be in a position where cuts in the school’s budget are necessary, I would rely on the expertise of the superintendent and the treasurer for recommendations, as they run the day-to-day operations and would know the places to modify the budget that would be the least disruptive.
Madger
Upon review of the budget there is no need to make any changes currently. The budget is in good shape. Should changes need to be made in the future I believe that budget cuts should remain out of the classroom. Years ago, the school needed to make budget changes and wanted to take away music and art. I love music and art and would not want to see those areas cut as they are important to a well-rounded education.
Midyette
Roughly 24% of the district’s expenditures are dedicated to employee benefits. The taxpayers are served by the administration’s review of comparable insurance plans, which provide the same level of benefits for district employees but at variable pricing. Furthermore, the district administrators will annually review staffing and building budgets with principals and department heads to ensure that they are commensurate with the needs of the district. Cuts are made annually where appropriate. If elected, as a board member, I would seek the wise counsel of our chief administrators, the superintendent and the Treasurer, before voting on a budget.
Wilson
With our district finances, there is nowhere I would look to make cuts. Our district is currently on a sound footing. The approach we are taking is to review programs and services on an ongoing basis and to find options for lower costs wherever possible. It is a strategy of continuous small course corrections using our five-year forecast as a guide. For example, if a contract for a service comes up for renewal there is a review to look for a better cost/service option. It may only save a relatively small amount, but these add up over time. We review staffing levels every year to ensure we are appropriately staffed according to current needs. It’s important to remember that most of the operating budget is salaries and benefits. Only a small percentage is discretionary in nature.
Do you feel your school district has adequate security protocols in place? If not, where could they improve?
Blankenship
Security for our students is always our top priority. Chardon has had an SRO for several years and the district is in the process of installing security vestibules in the high school and the middle school. Security protocols like everything else are always evolving with new technology and/or procedures that need to be re-evaluated on a regular basis.
Clark
The new safety vestibule at CMS as well as the one which is in planning at CHS are a great addition to security at the entrances of our buildings. I support the use of school resource officers (trained police officers) and, should the budget permit, would love to see more. Our children perform lock down drills regularly, which have been reported as effective
Madger
Yes
Midyette
Largely, yes, since board policy provides many avenues for maintaining safe and secure learning environments in our schools. Policy provides for a School Resource Officer Program. Per policy, a student may be immediately removed from a classroom or premises if that student poses a threat. Moreover, a student’s possessions that are stored in board properties, such as lockers and desks, may be searched by the district, even if locked by a student. The policy also allows for several means of drug and alcohol detection. The district’s five-year plan calls for an implementation of additional security methods as needed.
Wilson
Security, like many issues, can always be improved as technology improves, it can’t be a static item. This is also one of the core areas of focus for our success plan. Improvements are being made with access to main buildings — for example, secure vestibules in the buildings to control access, better door hardware, and increased manpower dedicated to security. However, we should not just be putting reactive and physical measures in place. We also need to continue to find protocols and technology to evaluate threats and head those off before they happen. For example, paying attention to mental health issues and social media presence.
Do you believe school districts have a responsibility to provide a mental health/social emotional learning curriculum? Why or why not?
Blankenship
Yes, SEL comes in many forms, and everyone has a different definition or interpretation of what it is. It encompasses everything from building soft skills to identifying students with needs. It was explained to me when I first got elected to the board, that students come to school every day and unload their personal backpacks. School administrators and teachers must be trained and ready to address whatever issues a student may bring to them and at the same time prepare them for their futures in our every changing world.
Clark
Madger
I believe that some social skills training, behavioral training and learning about mental health is ok in the classroom as part of some of the existing curriculum. There are some things that are a parent’s responsibility. Schools are tasked to supplement the parents, not replace them.
Midyette
Yes, the Chardon local school district has a legal responsibility to provide mental, social and emotional health instruction to our students. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 3313.60, abuse and violence prevention education, as well as suicide awareness and prevention training must be provided. State law provides that parents may choose to have their children excused from such instruction if they wish. Additionally, Section 3313.666(D) provides that students be age-appropriately instructed on bullying. Moreover, Section 3319.61 provides that a balanced school counseling program include not only academic counseling, but also personal and social counseling, as well.
Wilson
Yes, this is needed as part of the educational process so that students can learn skills to support healthy development and relationships. The benefits of social and emotional learning (SEL) are well-researched, with evidence showing that an education that promotes SEL yields positive outcomes for students, adults and school communities. There are growing rates of suicide and depression among young people and schools can help by providing the tools for self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and decision-making. Sources of strength is an example of a program we have recently introduced. It’s a national wellness program for K-12 that improves emotional well-being and helps to prevent suicide, substance misuse, bullying and violence.
Do you believe board members have a role in the day-to-day operation of the district?
Blankenship
- The board hires the superintendent and the treasurer to run the day-to-day operations.
Clark
No. The school board is not in charge of day-to-day operations — this is the job of the superintendent and the other administrators.
Madger
No, the superintendent is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the district.
Midyette
No. Per board codes of ethics and conduct, the operation of the schools is to be delegated to the administration, whereas, the board has no administrative function.
Do you believe an individual board member’s opinion on an issue supersedes their obligation to support a board decision?
Blankenship
No. Once the board acts, personal feelings and viewpoints need to be put aside and each board member should respect the action of the board.
Clark
No. Public school districts are charged with educating all students, regardless of their beliefs. Thus, as a school board member, my personal beliefs will not be a factor in making decisions about educating all students fairly and equitably. I am an open-minded and objective individual and, therefore, I welcome fact-based conversations and learning opportunities with folks who may have different beliefs from myself. I look forward to discussions amongst the board, should any issues of differing opinions arise. Once these decisions have been made by the school board as a whole, we must all support them as individuals.
Madger
No, I plan on being a team member of the BOE and working with other board members to reach consensus on issues. While I may not always agree with opinions of other board members, I understand that the board needs to speak with one voice, and I will support what the majority of the board decides on issues and decisions.
Midyette
No. In conformity with the board policy, board members are expected to support board decisions after a vote is taken, even if they were not personally in favor of such, thereby fostering respect and dignity for the board, as well as our schools.
Do you believe the history of racial discrimination in the US should be taught in your district?
Blankenship
Yes. It is important to teach all history and to learn from our past.
Clark
Yes. We should be teaching all aspects of World History and American History in the designated classes, following the board approved curriculum.
Madger
I said yes to this because it is important to ensure that history is taught as it took place so future generations can take the good and use it for our country’s benefit and never forget the bad so that hopefully it does not repeat itself.
Midyette
Yes. State law provides that local school districts are to adopt a curriculum which includes a thorough study of United States and Ohio history. Furthermore, state law provides that a curriculum is to include a well-balanced presentation of relevant societal contributions by members of minority racial and ethnic groups. However, Critical Race Theory is not, and should not be, taught in the Chardon Schools.
Wilson
Yes, the history of a nation should be taught with both the positive and negative aspects included. We should not remove truth and reality from education. It is only through this can students learn about how not to repeat the negative aspects of the past. Historical figures often have behaviors and attitudes common and specific to their time and these need to be understood.
Do you believe students should be permitted to request to be addressed by alternative names or pronouns in a classroom setting without parent approval?
Blankenship
No. This is a decision for the administrators to decide on a case-by-case basis when there is a need to have a conversation with the parents. Anyone can “request” something, but I would think an alternative name such as a nickname request for “William” wanting to be referred to as “Bill” is different from pronouns.
The request also needs to take into consideration the safety and wellbeing of the student.
Clark
Yes. There are many reasons to be addressed by alternative names, including nicknames, choosing a name in a foreign language class, and so on.
Madger
I said yes to this one because the question is, “Do you believe the students should be permitted to request….” Free speech states that a student can request things and may be told no. If the question read “Should the student be permitted to use alternative names or pronouns in a classroom setting without parent approval?” I would say no to that.
Sexuality and changing names should not be part of education. These decisions should be for parents to discuss with their children in the privacy of their own home. The schools should supplement parents, not replace them.
Midyette
No. In my view, if a request of this nature is made, a designated parent or guardian should be notified, unless there is a safety concern.
Wilson
This is not typically in the scope of a board member’s job. Students can request anything, it’s the context and what you do with that request that is important and is handled by district staff and administrators. But students should feel welcome, supported and valued and I support students using alternative names or pronouns according to their identity. If this is a gender identity question, we need to work with the student and the appropriate authority to ensure the student is safe and properly supported.
Do you believe comprehensive sex education classes should be taught in your district?
Blankenship
Yes. Sex education is a part of state requirements and needs to be included in the curriculum.
A parent can always opt out if they do not want their student to participate.
Clark
Yes. I support the delivery of the state required sex education curriculum, including the current policy giving parents permission to opt their students out.
Madger
I said no to this because the ORC lists items that are mandated for the schools to follow for sex education.
Midyette
No. Ohio Revised Code Section 3313.6011 provides that a thorough health education curriculum must include venereal disease education, which stresses abstinence. Our district has prescribed such a curriculum. In my view, this instruction is part of a well-rounded health education. In accordance with state law, parents may have their children excused from such instruction if they wish.
Wilson
Yes. Comprehensive sex education gives students the knowledge and skills that help them to protect their health, develop respectful social and sexual relationships, make responsible choices and understand and protect the rights of others. Chardon follows Ohio state standards. Parent(s) or guardian(s) can opt their student out of this program.
