Mock aims to be visible as new school board member

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Kathy Mock, who teaches education at Youngstown State University, is pictured with former Fitch High School honor student Todd Mounce. Mounce is currently an honor student at Youngstown State University.

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Kathy Mock is the newest member of the Austintown school board. She is pictured here with husband ,Tom (left), and son, John.

By ASHLEY LUTHERN

aluthern@vindy.com

(Editor’s note: This is the second of a four-part series about new government officials in Austintown.)

The Austintown Board of Education will welcome three new members this year, one of whom teaches education at Youngstown State University.

Kathy Mock will join Lou Chine and Dr. David Ritchie and fellow newcomers David G. Schnurrenberger and Thomas J. Stellers on the school board. Mock said the most urgent business for 2010 is the bond issue.

“The bond issue does seem to be at the forefront and that will take most of our energies,” she said. “I can’t speak for the board because we haven’t met yet (Dec. 29) ... It is a tough time for everyone in the state of Ohio and across the country, but there’s no perfect time to move forward. This is the best time for Austintown for securing the monies.”

The proposed 2.9-mill bond issue was defeated in November by 56 percent of voters. The bond would fund the school district’s share of a $50 million facility expansion project. The school would provide about 53 percent of the cost, about $26 million, and the state would fund the remaining 47 percent, about $23 million.

Vincent Colaluca, superintendent of Austintown Local Schools, has said the township has until November 2010 to pass the bond issue and it is up the school board to put the bond issue on the ballot for May’s primary election.

In addition to the bond issue, Mock said she will focus on increasing communication.

“We need to have better communication in place. We do have some tools in our school district that need to be utilized better, whether it’s the Web site or Channel 19,” Mock said.

“I really want to make an effort to be visible, whether I’m at a fall fundraiser or an elementary school program.”

Mock also said she is proud to be serving in a diverse community.

“The school is the cornerstone of the community. I think the great diversity of people here can work together for future opportunities and growth. I’m excited to part of the board and to move forward in an exciting time,” she said.