Election campaign for school supervision: Who will bring a breath of fresh air to Orange?

Election campaign for school supervision: Who will bring a breath of fresh air to Orange?

Ahead of the election for the Orange Board of Education on November 4, 2023, the political landscape will be shaped by an exciting mix of incumbents and challengers. Orange voters will have the opportunity to choose between two incumbent members, Rebecca Boyle and Jeffrey Leikin, as well as challengers Julie Lawrence and Chavone Taylor Nash. Together they are fighting for one of the three vacant seats after the current incumbent, Scott Bilsky, whose term ends on December 31, 2023, did not run for re-election. How Cleveland.com reports, the election will be a hot topic in the region.

Rebecca Boyle, who has lived in Orange since 2006, is seeking her third term. Boyle brings over 20 years of experience as a special education teacher and school counselor. Her advocacy focuses on school funding and maintaining high educational standards while keeping an eye on state education funding. Jeffrey Leikin, the company's longest-serving board member and current president, is also addressing the financial challenges created by state and federal cuts.

The challengers

Julie Lawrence, a Pepper Pike resident, represents the perspective of finance and accounting professionals. As the CEO of Krunch Financial LLC and an active PTA member, she is committed to financial planning and support for all students. Their three children, including a child with special needs, attend schools in Orange. Chavone Taylor Nash, a four-year Woodmere resident and project manager at the ThirdSpace Action Lab, values ​​equity in education and community-focused solutions to school challenges.

It is crucial that voters not only decide on their preferred candidates, but also think about fundamental issues in education policy. Loud Voice of OC The challengers advocate, among other things, increased spending on teaching and improving students' mental health. These issues are particularly relevant as the board has received intense attention in recent years due to controversial issues such as school closures during the pandemic.

The political challenges

Amazingly, the challenges facing education policy are not just in the local context, but reflect a broader issue like this Eastern Europe Center describes. Policy decisions have a significant impact on education, from early childhood education to higher education. Securing financial resources and combating social inequalities are essential concerns that are also important to the candidates on the Orange Board.

Another key point in the discussion is oversight of charter schools, which also influences the board. Republicans have traditionally had the upper hand in this body, and the coming elections could be crucial in determining the course for the next few years. There has already been a lack of regional discussions and forums on this issue that could stimulate broader public participation.

For all eligible voters in Orange, early voting begins October 7, 2023, and this is the chance to determine the direction of future education in the region. Which topics are important to you? Who has the best concept for equitable and high-quality education? The decision is in your hands!