Monday, October 27, 2003
Two former educators are among those vying for open seats on the panel.
By NORMAN LEIGH
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
SALEM -- City school district voters will have plenty of choices for the three seats being vacated on the school board.
Seven people, including the three incumbents whose terms are expiring, are seeking the four-year posts on the panel, which is overseeing a troubled district.
The Columbiana County prosecutor's office is investigating activities of the treasurer's office while it was under the control of former treasurer Ted Cougras.
The district also is being sued in federal court, and a former principal has been convicted of stealing from the school.
Seeking re-election are board President Donald Finch and members Ken Kenst and Dr. Paul Shivers.
Seeking second terms
Finch said he wants a second term on the school board because he has become knowledgeable about the school district and wants to continue to use his expertise.
Besides his experience, Finch said he also is qualified for the job as a result of being in business for 35 years.
Although retired now, Finch owned Finch's Service, a vehicle repair business in Salem.
Kenst also is seeking a second term on the panel.
"I believe continuity is vital," Kenst said.
Like Finch, Kenst cited his first term on the panel as a key qualification for a second term.
Educators seek posts
Two longtime educators also are running.
Now retired, Marguerite Miller began teaching in Salem schools in 1971 and went on to become principal at Buckeye and Reilly elementaries.
Miller said she's running because she has a continuing interest in education, and her years as an educator provide the experience necessary for the job.
A major issue in the race is establishing trust among the district, pupils and parents, Miller said.
Elizabeth Gibbs Thatcher taught in Salem schools for 36 years and served on city council from 1989-95.
If elected, Thatcher said her goal is to practice integrity and fairness, and to focus on problems and concerns brought before the panel.
Thatcher previously has participated in labor negotiations with the school district as a member of the teachers union.
Also running for the school board are Sean Hart and former board member Bill Thorne.
Candidate information was not received by either hopeful, or from incumbent board member Shivers.