OLMSTED TOWNSHIP, Ohio -- Similar to the Olmsted Falls City Council races, a lack of Olmsted Falls City Schools Board of Education candidates on the ballot finds incumbents Phil Eckenrode and Holly Neumann, as well as Olmsted Falls High School PTA President Kelly Walker unchallenged going into Election Day.
Current board member Linda Parkowski, who has served since 2014, is not running for re-election.
The four-year term finds board members earning $125 per meeting. Olmsted Falls City Schools Board of Education members currently donate back a portion of their compensation to fund scholarships for graduating Olmsted Falls High School seniors each year.
The election is Nov. 2, with early voting currently open. All contested candidates were emailed questionnaires. Here are profiles of the responding Olmsted Falls City Schools Board of Education candidates:
Board of Education candidate: Phil Eckenrode
Age: 38
Occupation: attorney
Prior elected office or campaign: Olmsted Falls City Schools Board of Education member
Education: B.A. in political science from Kent State, J.D. from Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law
Family: Wife, Melissa, with children Joey and Ben
Why are you running? I’m running because we are blessed to live in an amazing school district and I would be honored to continue to play my part. Even before I was on the board, I saw firsthand through my own children’s experience the quality of the teachers, administrators and staff we have in OFCS. Our “AAA” district brings out the best in my two students, and I know many other families agree. I look forward to continuing to represent our parents, taxpayers and other community stakeholders in ensuring that our district continues to operate with fiscal responsibility and zealous advocacy for the development of all of our students.
Board of Education candidate: Holly Neumann
Age: 54 Occupation: Administrative for a small design company
Prior elected office or campaign: Currently completing second term on Olmsted Falls City of Schools Board of Education (third year as president)
Education: Bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Akron
Family: Husband with two children
Why are you running? I’m excited to run for re-election for the Olmsted Falls Board of Education. Our school district is very fortunate to have an engaged and supportive community. Through sound fiscal management and with generous help from our taxpayers, Olmsted Falls City Schools is able to offer our students a curriculum that empowers them to learn and find their career path. Our staff is dedicated to engaging each student, helping them develop the necessary skills to contribute to the global society and become lifelong learners. I am proud of our triple-A school district focusing on academics, athletics and the arts. Consistently we have high-achieving students in all three areas of focus. As we move forward, our school district is excited to continue strengthening our community relationships and partnerships with the unified goal of supporting our students. I look forward to again representing Olmsted Falls and Olmsted Township as a member of the board of education.
Read more news from the Sun Post Herald here.
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