Howland school board race reflects district's strength

If it is true that the success of a school district depends, in large part, on the quality of the individuals who seek election to the board of education, then it can be said that the Howland school system will continue to be a leader not only in the Mahoning Valley, but in the state of Ohio.
Two incumbents whose terms are up this year, Atty. Raymond J. Tisone and Lori Kuszmaul, are seeking to return. Tisone and Kuszmaul have served with distinction and deserve the support of the voters of the Howland School District. A third incumbent, Donald A. Spence, whom we endorsed four years ago, is not running again.
However, there are two other candidates in the race, Warner K. Taiclet, a member of the board of education from 1970 to 1977 and a school teacher for 26 years, and Jim Adgate, who did not respond to The Vindicator's request for information.
While it is clear that Taiclet has a strong understanding of the problems confronting public education in Ohio today and could be a positive addition to the school board, we have decided not to give him our endorsement. Because there is an open seat, we believe the voters of the district should learn all they can about Taiclet and Adgate and then make up their minds.
Record of service: On the other hand, we have no reluctance in urging voters to support Tisone and Kuszmaul because they have a current record of service to the school system in general and the children of Howland in particular. Tisone, a highly regarded lawyer, has been on the school board since 1989 and is now viewed by many residents as one of the leaders. It is instructive that when he first ran, Howland schools were mired in the state loan fund. Today, the district is financially stable -- even though property owners pay the lowest millage of all the school districts in Trumbull County. However, Tisone points out that the general fund is "just about maxed out," which makes the passage of school levies a necessity.
There is no doubt that the taxpayers are getting their money's worth with the Howland school system. It is academically superior compared to most other systems in the region, its technology programs are an added bonus for the students and its extracurricular activities provide young people with a wide range of experiences.
Although Kuszmaul has been on the board for less than a year -- she was appointed in February to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Sally Wehmer -- her active involvement in parent-teacher organizations, participation in three levy committees and her service on the superintendent's advisory committee make her a valuable member of the board of education.