SOUTH RANGE School board

Eleven candidates are running for three seats. An (* )denotes incumbent:
EDWIN M. BALLAS*
Age: 73.Home: 4909 Herbert St.Employment: Retired from Republic Steel after 36 years. Education: Newton Falls High School graduate, attended labor studies through Ohio State University.Family: Wife, Helen, and two daughters.Priority: Providing "Children's education -- the best for tax dollars."
EDWIN C. BUCHANAN*
Age: 67.Home: 4990 Woodlawn Ave.Employment: Substitute teacher in Warren City Schools since 1991.Education: Bachelor of science degree in business education from Youngstown State University.Family: Wife, Linda, and five children.Priority: "I will continue to see to it that we live within the budget. I see no reason why, with sound money management, we cannot accomplish our goals without any increase in taxes."
KEVIN E. HARFORD
Age: 40.Home: 1017 Paige Court.Employment: Controller for LeCarnassier LLC, Cleveland, since April 1999.Education: Bachelor of business administration, Kent State University.Family: Wife, Lori R., and three daughters.Priority: "My priority if elected is making positive decisions on issues concerning the educational values for the children of Newton Falls."
MARK A. HOFFMAN
Age: 45.Home: 5273 Taylor Ave.Employment: Computer coordinator at Ravenna City Schools since 1998.Education: Bachelor of music in education, Youngstown State University.Family: Wife, Aprile, and two children.Priority: "Improve relations between staff and board of education, help in overseeing of construction of new school complex."
SANDY KERNEN
Age: 35.Home: 234 Ravenna Road.Employment: Executive director/secretary, Newton Falls Chamber of Commerce since 1996; head coach of Lordstown High School boys and girls cross country and girls track since 1997.Education: Master's in education from Kent State University, pursuing educational specialist license in school psychology; bachelor's degree in psychology from Wichita State University, Kansas; Lordstown High School graduate.Family: Husband, Scott, and two sons. Priority: "I hope to foster a collaborative atmosphere between the board of education, the educators and the community in order to encourage decisions that are made in the best interest of all involved. Schools are not [and should not be] isolated communities but instead are a vital part of the community as a whole. Schools often reflect the community's attitude; it is time to create a positive atmosphere filled with trust."
ROBERT A. KREN
Age: 50.Home: 1557 Taft Ave.Employment: Building maintenance supervisor at Trumbull County Community Action Program since 1990.Education: Associate degree in applied science.Family: Wife, Jacklyn, and three sons.Priority: "To get the school system on track. These children are our future and our hope. Without a quality education, there is no hope."
THERESA LAYSHOCK-BARTLETT
Age: 38.Home: 5007 Scott St.Employment: Director of rehabilitation at Briar Hill Healthcare since 1997.
Education: Associate degree from Stark State College, graduate of Newton Falls High School.Family: Husband, William E. Bartlett Jr., and a son.Priority: "My first priority if elected would be to assist the other members of the board to establish policies that would increase teamwork and open lines of communication to not only school staff but to our whole community."
FLORENCE PAISLEY
Age: 48.Home: 4893 Oak Knoll Ave.Employment: Administrator for Thomas Steep Strip since 1977.Education: High school graduate, some college.Family: Husband, George; three stepchildren.Priority: "Good education."
JOHN T. ANDRIKA*, KRIS COLLINS AND GIDEON A. FETTEROLF JR.
Did not return candidate forms to The Vindicator.