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The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area and asked of all candidates for this office.
See below for questions on
Qualification,
Priorities,
Parental involvement
Click on a name for other candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
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1. What are your Qualifications for Office? (50 word limit)
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Answer from Ted Jaroszewicz:
I am the Chief Executive Officer of three businesses with more than 650 employees. I served on the Indian Hill School Board from 2000 to 2003. We had four balanced budgets, a successful bond levy campaign, built two new buildings and refurbished our entire physical plant.
Answer from Muhit Rahman:
- Extensive Business background (MBA in finance); serve on public, private and non-profit boards.
- Three children in IH Schools (sixteen 'child school years' of district experience).
- Involved parent: among other things, coached the Middle School Scrabble Team which is the current NATIONAL champion.
Answer from Barbara A Hopewell:
Ten years of experience on the Indian Hill Board of Education; Leadership positions in a variety of volunteer activities in our schools; Twenty years of corporate legal and college teaching experience.
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2. What plans do you have to address your top three priorities? (100 word limit)
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Answer from Elizabeth Johnston:
There are three issues facing the school district in the coming years, whole child development, preparedness for higher education and the allocation of additional resources. There are three essential components to proper child development: educate the intellect, nurture the emotional well-being and nourish the physical wellness of every child. It is not possible to address only one of these fundamentals and expect the child to reach his/her potential.
I would like to explore the possibility of replacing the advanced placement classes with the International Baccalaureate Program which enjoys greater respect and recognition among Universities.
Tax dollar spending is an enormous responsibility and represents a significant investment in ourselves and our future. My position is support decisions that maximize value across every generation through informed investment in our youth. Responsible spending will maximize the output of every child.
Answer from Barbara A Hopewell:
Support the administration's efforts to improve areas of our curriculum so that students at all levels are challenged. Continue to emphasize the need to retain and hire the highest quality faculty. Continue to preserve our low student/teacher ratio. Be open and responsive to parent and community input.
Answer from Muhit Rahman:
If elected to the school board, I will approach the job with an open, probing mind, taking nothing for granted and knowing that in order to be effective, I must first learn about and understand the professional and personal dynamics of the school system. I will review and evaluate all curriculum and textbooks and keep an attentive ear turned to students, staff, parents, and other district residents. I will seek to maintain open and honest communication with and between constituent groups at all times. I will critically evaluate all curriculum and textbook requirements. I will draw on my professional skills to bring rigor to the district's management. And I will draw on my personal experience to lend a global perspective to our children's education.
Answer from Ted Jaroszewicz:
As a member of a five person Board, I will have to work with the others, and the school adminsitrators, to convince them of the importance of operating balanced budgets, improving college admissions guidance counseling and programs such as all day kindergarden and foreign languages. I have the ability to work with others, to stay focused on my priorities, and to use common sense to achieve worthwhile goals.
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3. What will you do as a Board of Education member to increase parental involvement in your school system? (100 word limit)
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Answer from Barbara A Hopewell:
Our District is fortunate to have a high rate of parental involvement. Our administrators and teachers work closely with our PTOs and Booster organizations. The District has also partnered with parents from various groups, whether it be sports teams or fine arts. This partnering will only grow in importance in the years ahead. To have the district and our parent groups work closely together toward the same goals, communication is the key. Parent groups can provide invaluable resources of time, energy, and funds. It is important for the school administration and board to respect and appreciate their efforts, be clear on how they can help the schools, and work with those groups to achieve agreed upon goals.
Answer from Ted Jaroszewicz:
We have a high level of parental involvment at Indian Hill Schools. We're a high performance school primarily because we have high performance parents who get their kids ready to learn every day. I'm not sure I could do much to improve what is already a very good situation.
Answer from Muhit Rahman:
IH parents are already fairly involved in their children's education. But there is room and reason for greater involvement. I will plan to meet regularly with the parents: in person, through e-mails and telephone calls and through discussion groups such as the Indian Hill Scholars group for parents of IH high schoolers that I co-founded. I have found that once you offer a forum for discussions, involvement follows naturally.
Responses to questions asked of each candidate
are reproduced as submitted to the League.
Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. Word limits apply for each question. Direct references to opponents are not permitted.
The order of the candidates is random and changes daily.
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League of Women Voters of Ohio Education Fund
