43
Hopefuls aim to continue Columbiana schools’ success
The district has received praise from the state and a newsmagazine.
COLUMBIANA — The Columbiana Board of Education race is focused on continuing the district’s program that has been lauded repeatedly.
Eight people are running for the three seats in next Tuesday’s general election.
The district has been praised by the state and U.S. News and World Report. Candidates stressed that they want to do more than just go to meetings.
Ruth Williamson, a six-year board veteran, said, “I have been visiting the schools every semester.”
She added, “I speak with staff, students, principals, the superintendent and treasurer concerning issues they might have and work to correct them.”
A registered nurse, Williamson said she is involved in patient and family education and is concerned about communicable diseases in schools, sports and the homes of students.
She said she wants to see the district maintain the state’s excellent rating while running on a tight budget that will keep the schools from seeking more funds from the taxpayers.
Alex Heintzelman, another incumbent, said he’s been serving on the Columbiana school board and also was its representative to the Columbiana County Career and Technical Center Board.
“I have gained a combined eight years of board-member experience between the Columbiana [elected] and Columbiana County Career and Technical Center [appointed] boards of education over the past four years, Fortunately, we have high-quality teachers, staff and administration at Columbiana, who work well together to help students achieve. This group effort has led to Columbiana becoming the premier school system in Columbiana County,” he said.
Another incumbent, Jay Hertel, said, “I have eight years’ experience in this position and feel that experience highly qualifies me for this position.”
He pointed out that he had served in leaner times when the district had to cut a $1 million in its budget.
Colleen L. Herbert ran unsuccessfully for the board in 2007.
“I am a strong team member. I am honest and unbiased, I listen to people’s opinion and seek to understand all perspectives,” she said.
She’s also been a business analyst and a substitute teacher. She said her background can help eliminate unneeded work and improve how the district can serve students and families.
Anthony Roncone also ran for the board in 2007. He said he has no agenda or specific project.
“I believe that maintaining an excellent school system provides community pride, prepares our children for their next life endeavor after school and increases the value of the property within the school district,” he said.
He added that as a businessman and father, he has to make decisions on the benefit and need, not on want. He’s also been the president of the middle school’s parent-teacher organization for three years.
Marilyn Saxton is making her first run for public office.
Though the schools are rated excellent, “the current board does not represent the interests of students, parents and community members at all levels,” she said.
She said she would work to act in the best interests of students.
She also said that education is the most important tool for success, and that a school system should work to serve all students and communicate well.
wilkinson@vindy.com
RUTH WILLIAMSON*
Age: 50
Home: 657 Meadow Place, Columbiana.
Education: Bachelor of science degree in Nursing at Youngstown State University.
Employment: Registered Nurse at St. Elizabeth’s Health Center in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Center.
Family: Husband, Jay Williamson Sr., three children.
Priority: The six-year board veteran said she visits the schools every semester to speak with staff and students. She said she wants to see the district maintain the state’s excellent rating while running on a tight budget that will not require the schools to seek more funds from the taxpayers. She also wants to see that the schools use technology that will help the staff and students meet their needs for the 21st century.
ALEX HEINTZELMAN*
Age: 23
Home: 405 N. Middle School Road, Columbiana.
Education: Graduate of Youngstown State University with a bachelor’s degree, and is in his third year of medical school at Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine.
Employment: Medical student
Family: Single
Priority: “My top priority is to ensure that students continue to excel and receive an outstanding education at Columbiana.” The district will have to deal with aging facilities with a fiscally-responsible plan, he added.
The candidate did not provide a picture.
JAY HERTEL*
Age: 47
Home: 120 N. Elm St., Columbiana.
Education: Internship and residency at Youngstown Osteopathic Hospital.
Employment: A family practice physician at PRIMA Healthcare in Columbiana.
Family: Wife, Susan; three children.
Priority: A two-term member of the board, Hertel said he has been on the board during some of its worst and best times. The worst was a million-dollar cut in funding, and the best have been the district’s excellent state ratings and the hiring of superb administrators, he said, adding that his goal is to continue the district’s rating.
The candidate did not provide a picture.
COLLEEN L. HERBERT
Age: 39
Home: 558 Springfield Road, Columbiana.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from the University of Pittsburgh in 1994.
Employment: Project manager for American Steel.
Family: John, two children.
Priority: To simply do the best I can to serve the community. I will bring a positive, open attitude and work with the other board members to strengthen our school district within the district budget.
The candidate did not provide a picture.
ANTHONY RONCONE
Age: 45
Home: 14240 Market St., Columbiana.
Education: Bachelor’s in applied science.
Employment: President and chief executive officer, Magical Computing Solutions Inc.
Family: Wife, Kathy, five children.
Priority: Roncone ran for the board in 2007. He said the school district will be faced with major financial impact decisions in the upcoming two to three years. He said he has no agenda or specific project.
The candidate did not provide a picture.
MARILYN SAXTON
Age: 42
Home: 460 Firestone Ave., Columbiana.
Education: Master’s degree in business administration and marketing.
Employment: Health-care consultant and managed-care coordinator for 15 years.
Family: Husband, Tim, superintendent of the Brookfield School District, three children.
Priority: Saxton said that though the schools are rated excellent, “the current board does not represent the interests of students, parents, and community members at all levels.” She said she would work to act in the best interests of students. She said she would work with the other board members to improve the way school officials manage the school board’s policies.
The candidate did not provide a picture.