Revere Board of Education candidate
For the Revere Board of Education the terms of Hayden Hajdu and Keith Malick will expire at the end of the year. They are seeking re-election to the four-year terms. Jim Nelson, who is finishing his term as Bath Township trustee, is running for one of the Board of Education seats. Board members are paid $125 per meeting, with a maximum of 24 meetings per year. The state determines the pay of board of education members. They do not receive fringe benefits. Each candidate was asked to respond to four questions, using a total of 250 words. Following are their unedited responses.
1. How will your past experience with Revere Schools help you serve the school district?
Hajdu: Our current School Board was responsible for hiring our new Super Intendent. That process forced us to look at the things that make us great and the areas where we need to improve. I want to use that process and data to make sure we are a top 10 district in the state.
Malick: I am currently the Board President of the Revere School Board. I am active and engaged in our community as a little league coach, Revere Schools Foundation Board Member and Trustee for Summit County Children Services. I have a business degree and have been practicing law for over 20 years. My educational and work experience has provided me with the necessary skills and experience to help guide the district these past four years and will continue to help moving forward in the coming years. My greatest experience is being a parent to a current Revere 4th grader.
Nelson: I am a former teacher/administrator having served in all Revere Schools, including old Richfield Elementary. I contributed to the excellence, which was present when I was actively involved and which you see continued in our schools today.
2. How can you and the rest of the board address COVID-related issues during the school year?
Hajdu: Listening to the parents in our community, looking at our own internal data along with the guidelines from the state to make the best decision for our district.
Malick: My goal since I started on the Board in 2018 has been to ensure our children remained in school and that we maintain protocols for providing a clean and safe school environment. We have and will continue to provide our district with communication on how we monitor and analyze COVID related issues including a COVID Dashboard.
Nelson: Regarding COVID. Safety trumps Freedom. I believe in individual freedom when individual freedom only affects an individual. I cannot drive on the left side of the road. This has not affected my individual freedom, but has ensured drivers’ well being.
3. How do you plan to engage with school families affected by school board decisions?
Hajdu: Because I have four kids that are very active, and I strongly believe in being a volunteer for their activities. I am in the community everyday talking with our community. I want honest feedback on what we do well and where we can improve.
Malick: I have communicated with parents and families electronically, by phone and in person to address questions, concerns and listen to their thoughts.
Nelson: It may be worthwhile to initiate open board meetings and invite residents to express themselves. As long as teachers and administrators are diligent in their efforts to work with children and communicate with parents and residents, information will continue to be exchanged to the benefit of all.
4. What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
Hajdu: To continue to build on our success in the classroom and help bring more success to sports and extracurricular teams and clubs. I believe the most successful districts are made up of students who are participating in extracurricular activities.
Malick: When re-elected I plan to continue the longstanding academic success of the district and work toward ensuring that all students have the tools and skills for success once they graduate from Revere. During my tenure we have completed construction on multiple schools, added air conditioning, LED lighting and security updates to other buildings, all while operating with a positive P&L and without the need for a new levy. I plan to build on these successes.
Nelson: My goal when employed by the Revere Schools, and as an elected school board member, would be to ensure a successful educational experience for all students and continue the excellent community support the schools have fostered. ∞