While the United States won’t have a national election until 2024, many important races and issues will be decided on election day, 2023. As former Speaker of the House, Tip O’Neil famously reflected, “All politics is local.” One of the local races that will affect Newsymom readers is for the New Philadelphia School Board. Four candidates are vying for 3 open seats this November. New Philadelphia voters can get to know them below:

 

Amanda Fontana

 

Introduce Yourself!

My name is Amanda Fontana. I have an associate degree in Human and Social Services and certification in American Sign Language from Stark State College. I have my BASW from the University of Akron, and I am completing my MSW from Cleveland State University and will graduate in May 2024. I am currently a Grad student intern at Stark State College in the Human and Social Service program and I am a certified independent provider through the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities. 

Additionally, I serve on the Advisory Board for the Social Sciences Department of Stark State College. I am the Secretary on the Board of Directors for Tuscarawas County Friends of the Homeless and Pathway to Wellness, and I serve on Tuscarawas County’s Board of Developmental Disabilities Human Rights Committee. My interests include advocacy, policy, research, and, undoubtedly, my three exceptional children. 

What is your relationship to the school district and reason for running for school board?

 I attended NP schools from kindergarten to 12th grade. I grew up and still live in New Philadelphia. I am running for school board so that I may be a voice for those who often go without their voices being heard. I have dedicated my adult life to advocating for others, and it started when I had my oldest daughter, who lives with developmental disabilities. Through the years, it was apparent that families, much like mine, needed help and did not know where to turn. I knew what that was like, and I wanted to help show others a path or create paths where there weren’t any before. 

Serving on the school board would allow me to continue using my skills to strengthen those pathways between families and their communities. Solid and supportive educational systems are the foundation for thriving communities, and I would like to serve the community by strengthening the bridge between our families, community, and district.

Should you be elected, what do you see as your main priorities? How do you understand your role as a school board member?

The main priority is upholding the mission of the district with integrity, making sure that our students are being provided with an educational experience that will benefit them and carry them into their future. This includes providing safe, inclusive, and accessible environments that allow for their growth and learning, along with continuing to foster bonds with the community. 

What is your vision of public education? How do you view the relationship between the public schools and the community?

.Public education is the cornerstone for the future. Education that is accessible to ALL students allows for endless opportunities not only for the individual but also for the surrounding communities. Education should never be something that is denied or inaccessible to communities, and public education is a means of making sure that education is accessible to all. Schools are pivotal in shaping communities, and I believe that strengthening the existing bond between the schools and the community will help to guide our community forward and upward.

Anything else you’d like to share with voters?

N/A

 

Audrey Mattevi

 

Introduce Yourself!

My name is Audrey Mattevi. I was born and raised in New Philadelphia, I met my future husband here, I came back here after college, and I am now raising my daughter in the New Phila. School district. I am mom to a spunky almost-4-year-old and two very loved dogs. I have been married for 10 years and we work together at an international company that my husband started over a decade ago. I grew up in the NP district, then went to college and got my BA in Communication from the University of Mount Union. I run the majority of internal operations at our company, Pageantry Innovations. When I’m not at work or “mom-ing”, I enjoy reading, camping, traveling, and exploring historical places (Williamsburg is my favorite!). 

What is your relationship to the school district and reason for running for school board?

I attended New Philadelphia from K through 12th grade. (My last name was “Lab” back then.) My dad and his family, including my grandparents, are also New Phila. alumni. My daughter is now a young Quaker in the New Phila. preschool program. I am running for the school board because I’d like to have a front row seat to my daughter’s education and experience. I want to set her and her peers up for the most well-rounded, supportive, safest childhood they can have in our district. It is important to me to be involved and have a voice in our students’ overall experience at New Phila. 

Should you be elected, what do you see as your main priorities? How do you understand your role as a school board member?

I know voters have heard it time and time again, but the facilities in New Philadelphia are not good. We have so much excellence flowing through our district- but the buildings are old, outdated, and unsafe. Our students and our staff need better places to learn and work. 

As far as my role as a board member goes, I believe we wear many hats. We are a cheerleader and a watchdog for our students. We are an ally and helping hand for our teachers and staff. We are a bridge to our community. We are the people solving problems and creating policy that enrich and propel our district forward. It’s a multi-faceted position. 

What is your vision of public education? How do you view the relationship between the public schools and the community?

I think that public education is wonderful. I also think that adults sometimes ruin wonderful things… We have dedicated, talented staff and hardworking, amazing students. Our schools should be a safe and inclusive space to foster learning and encourage growth. Our schools are not a battleground for adult issues or political parties. Our schools and our activities are for our students. The real world is tough enough- when kids are in New Philadelphia I believe we must give them the security and space to be kids. 

Anything else you’d like to share with voters?

We have a very close-knit and strong community. That comes from cohesion and respect. Our entire community relies on young people. They are very much our future: future doctors and lawyers, future police officers and electricians, future politicians and teachers. We need to invest in our kids and we need to value their education because it affects everyone. 

Additionally, a school district is only as strong as its community. We need community members to vote for our levies, attend our sporting and arts events, drive slowly through school zones, and donate to our fundraisers. Our district needs support and our community needs transparency and respect. I hope this is something I can continue to work on as a member of the New Philadelphia Board of Education.

Kelly Ricklic

 

Introduce Yourself!

My name is Kelly Ricklic. I am a 1975 graduate of New Philadelphia High School and am a journeyman machinist by trade through The Timken Company. I am a former water superintendent for the City of New Philadelphia and hold a Class III Water Supply license with the Ohio EPA.  In addition, I was the Buildings and Grounds/Maintenance Supervisors for the New Philadelphia School District and Buckeye Career Center. I am currently employed by the Conotton Valley Union Local School District as their school representative for a building project and completing my final term as councilman-at-large for the City of New Philadelphia. 

My interests include spending time with family, especially my 7 grandchildren, collaborating with the Tuscora Park Foundation to improve local baseball facilities, and volunteering for my church.

What is your relationship to the school district and reason for running for school board?

I am a graduate of NPHS and I am passionate about my community.  I have 24 years experience in budgetary management where I have overseen revenue and expenditure tracking. My involvement in these areas will help me be a fiscally responsible board member. I welcome the opportunity to partner with the school district and community to give our students a quality education.

Should you be elected, what do you see as your main priorities? How do you understand your role as a school board member?

I see several main priorities that need addressed: finding out the financial status of the district, setting priorities to make necessary improvements, and helping build community support and understanding of the current status of the district’s facilities.

My role as a school board member is to help make the school system a better learning facility by helping the administration provide the best education possible to our students. Several leadership characteristics, as noted by the Ohio School Boards Association, can aid in providing this type of education: vision, accountability, policy, community involvement, public school advocacy, and relationships. 

What is your vision of public education? How do you view the relationship between the public schools and the community?

My vision of public education is one of high expectations; one that teaches our young people how to be competitive and productive citizens, to have essential social skills, and to understand and appreciate individual differences.

The school district needs to continue to improve its relationship with the community by building trust. Gaining additional trust from community members can lead to increased involvement with school related issues which will benefit the youth of our district. 

Anything else you’d like to share with voters?

Great schools make great communities. The youngsters of the New Philadelphia School District deserve a learning environment conducive to helping them achieve their full potential. I look forward to being a part of this educational journey.

 

Jennifer Schrock

 

Introduce Yourself!

I am a lifelong T-County resident. I graduated from Dover in 2001 and received my BA in Psychology from The University of Dayton in 2005. I worked at Community Healthcare (now SpringVale) for 12 years. I now own Harrison Auto Parts (NAPA Sugarcreek) with my husband, Dave. Dave and I have been married for 12 years and we have two kids, Ben and Ramona. We also have a beagle, Zoe, and two cats Poppy and Sonic. My kids keep me busy, but I fill my cup with good books, time spent outdoors, writing and crafting.

 What is your relationship to the school district and reason for running for school board?

 I am a parent to two young Quakers, and I am involved in the PTO. I am invested in the academic success and emotional well-being of students. I decided to run because I can offer a fresh pair of eyes and energy to our board. Our district is going to need to ask the community to be more engaged in the schools, and we need enthusiastic individuals ready to represent and serve.

Should you be elected, what do you see as your main priorities? How do you understand your role as a school board member? 

My main priorities are new facilities, an anti-bullying team, and improved academic success of our students. 

Our buildings are disgraceful and unsafe. I want to continue to work with the facilities committee (a current public group dedicated to creating a plan for future facilities, please check the school’s Facebook page for more details) to create a plan that our students, staff and community deserves. 

Bullying is plaguing our district and it’s no secret there is a national teen mental health crisis. I want to develop a committee of educators, mental health professionals, board members and students to address this problem head on. Our administrators should not have to handle this problem without active support from the board. 

NP City Schools barely “passed” the report card issued by the OBE. We need to make sure that dollars assigned from the state are spent on resources that will help our kids learn and ultimately graduate. 

I understand  the board is responsible for writing district policies, approving budget decisions and making sure the mission of the district is being upheld. A board member does not act alone, but rather the entire board works together as a team. There will always be something to learn.

What is your vision of public education? How do you view the relationship between the schools and the community?

 A strong community does not exist without a strong public education system. The school district should serve as a community hub. School is where young students can learn the value of serving their community. Our community rallies around its students, and if we want to continue to see kids serving in the community, volunteering at different organizations, andworking at local businesses, we need to make sure we have a strong school district with up to date facilities and technology. When people move to small cities they look into how well the school districts are, and if we want people to come to New Phila to start businesses and raise families, we need a strong school system supported by the community. 

Anything else you’d like to share with voters? 

I appreciate the time and support my campaign has received thus far. It has been my pleasure to get to know members of the community and to meet different people serving in our district. Thank you to all who have taken the time to read this article in order to make an informed decision this November.

Voting Information

Voters have the change to engage with the candidates and ask questions during a virtual Zoom event on October 26th at 7pm. Click Here for the link or scan the QR code below:

Don’t forget: Absentee and  early in-person voting is going on now. The election will be held on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. Check out the Ohio Secretary of State website for voting information.