A 12-year incumbent is looking for another reelection success as a member of the Jackson Local School Board of Education.
Kenneth Douglas explained he has three children that have all graduated from the Jackson Local school system and noted their enrollment is why he felt compelled to run for the seat the first time.
“I thought it was my time to help give back to the Jackson Local schools and the community, that’s why I do it.”
Professionally, he is an audit partner at the third largest accounting firm in the country and noted that gives him finance experience and business acumens to bring to the table.
“Even though schools aren’t a business there’s a lot of efficiency we can learn to operate from a business standpoint so I think I bring some of that skill set to the job.”
A major focus for Douglas is an ongoing one-to-one initiative that is designed to put laptop computers in the hands of all students.
The project is a three-part rollout over a two year period. The next two phases are expected over the course of the next year and a half.
“That’s a pretty expensive, but pretty important initiative where we’re kind of replacing textbooks with computers and kind of the way kids learn now is more into technology,” noted Douglas.
He stressed, however; his biggest goal continues to be to try to provide the best education at the most reasonable cost to our taxpayers.
Douglas cited a somewhat confusing funding approach for school districts throughout the state of Ohio.
“Most of the cost is born by the local taxpayers so we try to be as efficient as we can and be reasonable when we ask for money and levies and things like that,” he said. “To make sure our expectations are realistic, but at the same time trying to provide the best education for our kids and trying to continue the excellence that Jackson kids are known for.”
Douglas added his appreciation for those who have continued to support him over the course of his last four terms on the board and noted he is hopeful for the opportunity to continue to serve the district and the community.
“I think we’ve got a great school system because of the parents, the students, and the teachers,” said Douglas. “It’s a real team effort and it’s more so the work that those people do every day vs. what the school board does. We’re kind of there to provide some guidance and some oversight, which is important, but the day-to-day operations are the teachers and the staff and the students and we’ve got such great parents involved that I’d like to continue to kind of continue the excellence we’re known for and keep a good thing going.”
Michaela Madison Reporting
Opponents:
Lynne S. Kulich – No contact information available.
Thomas W. Winkhart – Did not return a message seeking comment.
