4 candidates seek 3 spots on Cardinal School Board

Four candidates are in the running for three seats on the Cardinal School Board in the Nov. 7 General Election.

Vying for two expired seats are Henry G. Duchsherer Jr.; and incumbents Kenneth J. Klima, who is the current board president; and Linda J. Smallwood. Additionally, unopposed incumbent Barbara E. Rayburn, whose unexpired term ends Dec. 31 2019, is also on the ballot.

Duchsherer

Duchsherer wrote in a pre-election questionnaire that he thinks consolidation is something the district should consider.

“I think we should revisit consolidation,” he writes. “The Berkshire/ Kent State proposed partnership is the future of education where multiple avenues and opportunities are open to students. Funding is an ongoing problem and, with a larger school base and consolidated administration/ operating expenses, it will help alleviate the problem.

“With open enrollment, academically motivated students will pick Berkshire/Kent State every time, which will put added pressure on Cardinal Schools both financially and academically.”

Klima

Incumbent board President Klima writes that he’d like to see “roofs, windows, doors (attended to) and maintain high levels of education.”

He added: “Cardinal Schools are at a critical point and my experience and decision-making ability are crucial to the schools’ success.”

Rayburn

Rayburn, who was appointed to the board in June, stated that the main goal she “would like to see accomplished for the school district is fiscal solvency and financial stability.”

She added: “A secondary goal would be fostering stronger trust between the community, school families and the school district.”

Smallwood

Smallwood, who was appointed to a two-year board position, indicated she’d like to “continue improving communications with the community using greater transparency.”

She also stated that “my past accomplishments speak to my strength to provide steady and confident leadership in the near future.”

According to the Cardinal School District treasurer, School Board members can be paid for up to 24 meetings a year at the state rate of $125 a meeting, up to $3,000. They are paid twice a year in June and December.

The Geauga County Elections Board reported there are 5,930 voters eligible to weigh in on this race.

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