Four people seek three seats on New Philadelphia Board of Education
NEW PHILADELPHIA ‒ Four residents are competing for three open seats on the New Philadelphia Board of Education in the Nov. 7 general election.
The candidates are Amanda Fontana, Audrey L. Mattevi, Kelly M. Ricklic and Jennifer Schrock.
Information on candidates
Name: Amanda Fontana
Age: 41
Occupation: Independent provider through Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities
Why should the voters elect you to the New Philadelphia school board? For nearly two decades I have been using my skills as a social worker, special needs mom and advocate to assist students and families while being a voice for those whose voices often go unheard. My dedication to those in our community has allowed me to break down barriers, hold systems accountable and create compelling and positive change. I am now and will always be motivated and determined to helping our community thrive.
What is the most pressing issue facing the district and what would you do to help address it? Currently, there is a tremendous need for providing safe and secure environments where all of our students have the ability to grow, learn and reach their full potential. Addressing this issue means enhancing the relationship between the district and the community and we do this through transparency and teamwork.
Name: Audrey Mattevi
Age: 33
Occupation: Director of Operations at Pageantry Innovations
Why should the voters elect you to the New Philadelphia school board? New Philadelphia has always been my home. I am a third generation Quaker and I now have the privilege to send my daughter to preschool in New Philadelphia. I take pride in our community. Every single student matters here. I am a consumer of information, I tend to look outside the box when an answer is not obvious, and I will always act with my daughter's and every student’s best interests in mind.
What is the most pressing issue facing the district and what would you do to help address it? Our school district has phenomenal teachers, amazing staff members and outstanding kids … working and learning in subpar spaces. The state of our buildings is scary. Our district does its very best with the situation at hand, but our kids and educators need safe, secure, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant facilities. I know that levies and financial talk can put community members on edge, but I believe in this community and our dedication to the wellbeing of our youth.
Name: Kelly M. Ricklic
Age: 66
Occupation: I am retired, however I am helping the Conotton Valley Union Local School District as their school representative on a building project.
Why should the voters elect you to the New Philadelphia school board? I have 24 years experience in budgetary management. I have overseen revenue and expenditure tracking as a former water superintendent for the City of New Philadelphia, Buildings and Grounds/Maintenance Supervisors for the New Philadelphia school district and Buckeye Career Center, and as a councilman-at-large in New Philadelphia. My involvement in these areas will help me be a fiscally responsible board member. I am passionate about the community I live in and welcome the opportunity to partner with the school district and community to give our students a quality education.
What is the most pressing issue facing the district and what would you do to help address it? A pressing issue our district faces is the aging infrastructure of our buildings. Investments in maintenance and repairs to these structures assures our youth a safe and secure environment to learn. I would address this issue by encouraging the community to become actively involved in how their tax dollars should be spent. Great schools make great communities. The students of the New Philadelphia school district deserve a learning environment conducive to helping them achieve their full potential.
Name: Jennifer Schrock
Age: 40
Occupation: Co-owner of Harrison Auto Parts (NAPA Sugarcreek)
Why should the voters elect you to the New Philadelphia school board? I will bring my hard work ethic, enthusiasm and advocacy skills to the board. I am a parent of two young Quakers and am committed to the academic success and safety of the entire student body. I will be proactive in addressing the problems facing our district and will encourage more community engagement. The students are my priority and will be the deciding factor when I cast a vote.
What is the most press issuing facing the district and what would you do to help address it? The most obvious issue is our disgraceful school buildings. They are unsafe, inaccessible and uncomfortable. I’ll use this platform to talk about the issue we can’t see: the bullying plaguing our district. As a board member I will advocate for the development of a committee of board members, educators and mental health professionals to support administration in handling this problem. I will bring to the board 12 years of mental health professional experience.
Reach Jon at 330-364-8415 or at jon.baker@timesreporter.com.
This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Four vying for three seats on New Philadelphia Board of Education
