Four vying for Euclid School Board seat

Three of the five Euclid School Board seats are going before voters in the Nov. 7 election.

The candidates are Yvette André and incumbents Angela M. Lisy, Donna M. Sudar, and Tisha R. Thomas.

School Board Members Steve Johnson Jr. and Kathy De Angelis are not up for re-election this year.

According to the Cuyahoga County Elections Board,, 34,208 people are eligible to vote in the race. The position carries a term of four years and pays $125 per meeting, with the board usually meeting twice a month.

André

André did not return a News-Herald questionnaire.

Lisy

Lisy, if re-elected, plans to work on several priorities, including expanded academic services for college-bound students like apprenticeships, internships and community partnerships.

“I want to continue to serve our students by providing strong, collaborative leadership for our district,” she said. “I have and will continue to work diligently with our superintendent, Dr. Charlie Smialek, and our secondary curriculum director, Janis Svoboda, in creating ‘breakthrough’ opportunities for our students to prepare them for the rigors of post-secondary education. I am extremely proud that Euclid is able to offer students, starting in the 7th grade, the opportunity to earn college credit at no cost to them or their parents.

“Currently, our career technical programs have a graduation rate of 94 percent. This percentage will only grow as we expand our career technical opportunities. I truly believe that partnerships between our schools, our community organizations and our city agencies will provide the vital support our children and citizens need to not only succeed but to thrive together as one unified populace.”

Sudar

If re-elected, Sudar said she will volunteer her time as a tutor to personally support the learning of Euclid’s students, in addition to expanding Euclid Schools early learning opportunities. “As an early childhood educator, I understand the importance of providing 3- and 4-year-old children with quality preschool experiences. Euclid School’s early learning programs provide our earliest learners with the kindergarten readiness skills they need to be successful learners. I believe that my early learning experience blended with my understanding of the district’s policy, finances and community needs will help to strengthen Euclid’s early learning program.

“It has truly been an honor and privilege to serve the children, families and residents of Euclid,” she said. “Over the past 11 years, Euclid City Schools have celebrated many successes, resolved many issues and positively impacted the lives of our students. It would be an honor to continue to be an active member of the Euclid Board of Education. My hope is that I can continue to work toward providing every child attending Euclid Schools with the quality education they deserve.”

Thomas

Thomas wants to see

critical thinking brought back into the classrooms, and, if re-elected, plans to also expand and provide additional educational opportunities for all students.

“I believe the standardized testing intimidates our children, so this is an outlet that would assist in this learning process,” she said. “I would also like to see our children with more internships and apprenticeships in our community, plus, ensure our teachers have the right and all the resources they need to be successful to continuing supporting our children live paths.

“I started this journey four years ago and it’s not over yet, actually, it’s just beginning. I have gained so much in the last four years now it’s time to ensure that I support the vision/mission of City of Euclid Schools.”

Thomas

Lisy

Sudar