Boardman schools well served by Fulks, Davis, Poma

Barring unforeseen changes in the final report card to be issued next year, the Boardman School District's preliminary state report card has great news for parents and other residents who care about having an excellent school system. If, as expected, Boardman schools are deemed "effective" -- the rating for districts that meet at least 26 of 27 standards -- much of the credit should go to the school board, of which two members are running for re-election: Mark J. Fulks and Fred Davis. The Vindicator has no hesitation in recommending their candidacies.
Because Barbara Barsch has decided not to seek re-election, the board has one open seat. Kimberly Poma, Kenneth J. Beraduce and William Kibbel are the challengers in the race. Of the three, Ms. Poma has had the greatest involvement with the schools and displayed a concern for children and their education that neither Beraduce nor Kibbel evinced. She has much to bring to the board.
Fulks: Fulks, a 1974 Boardman High School graduate and 1978 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, understands fully the schools' need for improved technology but recognizes the difficulties in meeting those needs with limited finances. First elected to the board in November 1997, he advocates modernizing Robinwood and Stadium elementary schools to include libraries, computer rooms and additional classrooms and would like to see an auxiliary gym at the high school to accommodate the growing number of sports played by both boys and girls.
Davis: Having served two terms on the board, Davis wants to continue the schools' excellence and the board's relationship with the community. A 1975 graduate of Boardman High and a long-time area funeral director, Davis points with pride to his role in getting the right people into the right jobs.
Poma: Poma, a graduate of Poland Seminary High School who holds a bachelor's degree in engineering from YSU, brings 10 years of volunteer work in the schools to her candidacy. A woman who has served as a PTA leader, on the strategic planning and continuous improvement teams, on the levy committee and the auditorium committee should certainly be an agreeable addition to the board. Her commitment to education and life-long learning should be most welcome.
Kibbel, a 1964 Boardman High graduate, is a CPA who sees his broad financial background making him well suited to deal with future school funding problems. Beraduce, a member of Boardman's class of 1973, is the managing partner of his own company and advocates providing a safe, clean, innovative atmosphere for the community's children.
While both men are sincere, we believe Fulks, Davis and Poma would bring the most to the board.