The Toledo Public Schools (TPS) Board of Education has three open positions to be filled in the Nov. 3 elections. Darlene Fisher is the only TPS board member up for re-election; the other two members of the board who are running were appointed to their positions.

“I have so much history. I think we need someone who is well experienced on the board. If elected I would be the most tenured person on the board,” Fisher said.

Fisher is a market researcher and strategic planner. She said her background is beneficial when digging into the details of how the budget dollars are spent.

Fisher said she has been an advocate for community involvement and transparency throughout the district for the past 15 years.

Darlene Fisher

“Whether we agree with every opinion or not, we need community support. I’m very gung-ho on supporting the community and getting its input,” Fisher said.

Community support

Fisher is supported or complimented by several local leaders. Writing in the Sojourner’s Truth, former mayor and current TPS board member Jack Ford said, “The one voice that has been consistent in the past four years at TPS on diversification is Darlene Fisher.”

Stephen Ward wrote in a news release, “[Fisher] has been a champion for all students. She has not been a politician, but a mother who cares for the children.”

Community leaders and education advocates Ben Williams and Warren Woodberry have also expressed support for Fisher.

“I support Fisher 110 percent,” Woodberry said. “She was at the forefront of helping us save Scott High School and has been in conversations about saving Libbey.”

Fisher received endorsements from the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Fund, Teamsters and Northwestern Ohio Building and Constructions Trade Council. She is supported by the Toledo Urban Coalition.

Vocal opposition

She does have vocal detractors though.

Francine Lawrence, President of the Toledo Federation of Teachers, said, “Darlene Fisher is one of the worst school board members ever” in a September release titled “Fisher’s hypocrisy.”

Fisher said she respected Lawrence’s opinion as a union representative, but Fisher’s role is to make sure the kids are best served. Fisher believes there needs to be someone with an objective view not influenced by the unions.

“I’m not offended by her comments, in some ways it’s a badge of courage for me. If you are willing to stand up and say, ‘look, we need changes and other people aren’t willing to stand up,’ what does that say about her character or mine?” Fisher said.

Fisher said she doesn’t accept lower standards and strives for the best for our kids.

“I have principles and I stand to them. I’m willing to address issues no one else is going to address,” Fisher said. “Even if there is one person like that on the five member board, it has impact. Now, even if the other members take my ideas and use them, if we get the success it does matter.”

Fisher thinks a long list of challenges face the school district. Board members will have to come up with ways to stretch the budget, engage students and bridge the gap of lower performing schools.

One of the main challenges the district faces is recruitment and retention of students. Fisher said she believes the schools that are declared on academic emergency should be made a No. 1 priority. Focusing on these schools to boost their ratings will allow them to no longer qualify for vouchers.

Fisher said she believes the district needs to work with social services in some of the lower performing districts to help those kids succeed. She said students need to have their basic needs met to perform when they walk through the door Monday.

The district needs to reach out to the union to come up with creative ways to engage the students, Fisher said. The board needs to create teacher incentives so more senior teachers will work in the lower performing schools.

Fisher said the board must prove to the community it’s spending its tax dollars well.

“We should set the benchmark and watch it. Let’s do everything we can to support it, and if we don’t come through let’s figure out why. And if we do come through, what bigger and better things do we need to achieve excellent rating throughout the district.”

Fisher also believes that behind-the-scenes politics have consequences on the district.

“We have more than 60 schools, and it gets to be very bureaucratic and there are a lot of politics that go on behind the scenes that I think eventually hurts kids, not just in Toledo, but across the country,” Fisher said.

“If I don’t win, at least I know I stayed true to my principles and the idea that I’m helping the children in our community,” Fisher said.

Voters’ guide to TPS board candidates

Norman Drogmiller

Norman Drogmiller said for the past 20 years he has thought of running for TPS board. When Steve Steel left the board, he knew it was time to run.

“I believe people who commit themselves to the board should fulfill their commitment to the schools,” Drogmiller said.

Drogmiller has been a Bowsher High School and Arlington Elementary School volunteer for 17 years. He served on the boosters for 15 years, was president for six years and is vice president.

Drogmiller coached fifth and sixth grade basketball in 1990 for his daughters, and now coaches for his grandson. He also headed up a $1 million renovation at Bowsher stadium and is announcer for Bowsher sporting events.

A graduate of Rogers, Drogmiller said he believes in “furthering the education of our children.” He would like to see more vocational and trade programs, such as carpentry, welding or plumbing, for children who don’t necessarily want to go to college, but want to have a job where they can sustain themselves.

Drogmiller, a registered Democrat, thinks he would be a good candidate because he has no interest in furthering his political career and is only running for the children.

“The last 15 years I’ve been doing this, the only thing I’ve been doing this for is the kids. I believe that the kids need a good education and the right teachers in the school so they can go on to bigger and better things,” Drogmiller said.

Aji Green

Aji Green said his interest in the school board first came when he was “pointing fingers” at it. He said the school board had a lot of conflict among its members that kept it from helping the children.

“People fighting each other and pushing each other over nonsense issues isn’t productive,” Green said.

Green has a bachelor’s degree from UT in human resources and management and is currently working on a dual master’s degree in law and political science at UT. Green also served in the Army National Guard for five years.

He has studied education finance in the state of Ohio teachers union and public sector labor law and educational reform in urban communities.

Green volunteered at Lincoln Elementary before it was Lincoln Academy, at Pickett Academy and at his church. His wife teaches at Pickett Academy.

Green said he is looking to close the achievement gap, address the budget crisis, get people back into TPS and build community relationships.

“A lot of people in this community need a voice, and I want to be that voice,” Green said.

The same problems continue to be seen over and over, Green said. He believes until people who have a vested interested in education, such as the mayor, city council, teachers and the community, come together the same problems will continue to be an issue.

Green plans to work with teacher unions to come up with solutions that move the district forward. Green would also like to work with the community to address the increased dropout rates of blacks and Hispanics from the district.

Green has been endorsed by the Toledo Area UAW CAP Council, Toledo Federation of Teachers, Toledo Association of Administrative Personnel, Northwestern Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council and the Lucas County Democratic Party.

Brenda Hill

Brenda Hill is a school board member appointed in June to fill the vacant seat of Steve Steel. Prior to her appointment, Hill was already planning on running for the board in November’s election.

“I went through the TPS system and so did my children. I received a good education and I’m determined to make sure future students get the same education,” Hill said.

A retired teacher, Hill taught for 35 years in the TPS district. As a Title 1 teacher Hill taught at the now Pickett Academy, Walbridge

Elementary School, Birmingham Elementary School and Navarre Elementary School.

“As a teacher, I know what it’s like in the classroom, working with the students and working under contract,” Hill said.

Hill would like to increase involvement in the schools on all levels, getting parents involved and the community.

She said she would like to motivate students to be responsible for their own growth, offering them classes on how to study.

Hill wants to see continual improvement in test scores. She said the district needs to better evaluate curriculum and buy new books to prepare students for state testing. She would also like to implement new ideas and programs to bring the underachieving schools to a level of the higher achieving schools.

“I want the school system to stay strong and give all of our children a strong foundation. The economy has changed and the jobs have changed,” Hill said. “For jobs, you can’t just get a high school degree. Our students need to be prepared for college and able to compete here and overseas. They have to receive a well-rounded education.”

As the city’s tax base goes down and federal funding decreases, Hill said she will make sure state representatives know her name as she gets the district any money and grants available.

Hill has received endorsements from the Toledo Area UAW CAP Council, Toledo Federation of Teachers, the Teamsters Local 20 and the Lucas County Democratic Party.

Vince Hornik

Vince Hornik, a DeVeaux Middle School parent, decided to run for school board at the urging of fellow parents.

Three years ago, Hornik started the Parent Teacher Association at DeVeaux when his son attended there and he continues to be an active member as his daughters go there.

Hornik’s son entered the school district on an independent education program (IEP), and Hornik has dealt with teachers and administrators in the school district to make sure his son received everything he needed to learn. Hornik also dealt with the staff on behalf of other parents and children as well.

Communication and accountability are important issues for Hornik. He believes networking with the teachers and administrators is a big way to help solve problems.

“There isn’t one person that has all the answers. The TPS system is a giant and we have to work together,” said Hornik.

“We need to put teams together and set goals and make them happen. When goals aren’t met we need to make a plan to fix that. We can agree to disagree, but we have to listen to each other and not just talk over one another.”

Hornik has a background in retail management and deals with the public on a daily basis.

A registered Republican, Hornik is running as an independent and hasn’t sought endorsements of a political party. Hornik has received an endorsement from the Toledo Chamber of Commerce Leadership Fund.

“I’m running for the kids. To put a smile on their faces and educate them,” Hornik said.

Mindy Jenson

Mindy Jenson was approached by the Lucas County Republican Party and asked to run for school board.

“Every parent wants what’s best for their kids, and as a parent, I would try and work toward what’s best for the kids,” Jenson said.

Jenson’s background is not in education, but in health care. She has worked as a nurse for 17 years and is the director of nursing at the Rosary Care Center. Jenson said her background provides a different perspective, different ways of looking at the problems.

As part of the health care industry, Jenson said she understands what it’s like to have less funding coming in. She said she would come up with different and creative ways to get the best quality product at an affordable price for the students.

Jenson aims to keep education engaging, maintain small class size and provide quality resources. She would like to see more hands-on learning and set up after school tutoring programs.

In the time of H1N1, Jenson said she wants to make sure the schools are doing what they need to do health wise for the children.

“I don’t have unrealistic ideas. If I can help the kids achieve their goals early on I think that’s very important,” she said.

Although endorsed by the Lucas County Republican Party, Jenson has not sought out any endorsements. She said although labor unions are big in Toledo, she is not a member of one and doesn’t think it is fair to ask for their support.

James Jones

James Jones entered the race for TPS board because he believes that for too long decisions have been made based on the principle of backdoor politics influenced by special interest groups, only to benefit the status quo.

Jones is a former student, educator and administrator of TPS.

“I would be a good school board member because I have the experience. I served for 12 years as an educator and administrator. I’m a graduate of TPS from grades K-12,” Jones said. “I’m also working on my doctorate dissertation in curriculum instruction. I have a wealth of knowledge and experience.”

Jones was a member of the TPS Urban Leadership program and taught at different schools throughout the district. He taught at Nathan Hill Elementary, Old West End Academy, Leverette Middle School, was the dean of students at Robinson Middle School and DeVeaux Middle School and assistant principal at Robinson Middle School.

Jones also coached both girls and boys throughout his career at Old West End, Leverette, Woodward High School, Scott High School and Robinson.

Jones said he wants to work on bridging the gap between the schools, strengthen the leadership in the schools, build strong teamwork and put interest groups behind the board and serve the children.

“We need someone on the board who can relate to the children in the inner-city schools with the high drop out rates,” Jones said. “Because of my life experiences, I believe that I am the candidate best suited to do more than simply address these issues, but also to envelop those “at-risk” students in a supportive academic environment, encourage them and redirect them on the right path to success.”

Jones was endorsed by the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Fund.

John G. “Bull Dog” Rust

John G. “Bull Dog” Rust has been a lawyer in Toledo for 60 years.

“I’m an independent thinker. I’m for the children and I’ll be looking out for the interest of the children,” Rust said. “ I have the guts, the brains and the will to stand up for the children. My conviction and my point of view is strongest for the children.”

Rust said he believes there are no strong advocates for the children and that politics are getting in the way of what needs to be done.

“I feel that every decision at the school board should be made for the children. I think at times they act in the best interest of the union and the board members themselves. They aren’t acting for the children,” Rust said.

Rust thinks the district has a lack of education and a lack of high school graduates that needs to be accounted for.

Rust doesn’t have specific plans he wants to implement in the district; he’s waiting until after he’s meet with the superintendent and unions to see what needs to be done.

Rust said the best ideas should be debated and fought over and at the Oct. 23 debate, he will have his plan of action prepared.

Rust said he hasn’t sought any endorsements and won’t take any.

“They don’t want ‘no men,’ they want ‘yes men.’ I’m an independent thinker,” he said.

Larry Sykes

Larry Sykes is a former TPS board member, having served from 1997 to 2007.

Sykes looked at the current direction the district was going and decided to run.

“When 18 percent of eighth graders pass the state test there’s a problem. If I took 100 kids on a field trip and came back with 18 this community would be in an uproar,” Sykes said. “No one is addressing this decline.”

Sykes said there is no stability on the board as people come in and want to further their political careers. Now a retiree, he said he has time and expertise to bring to the school board.

“We have to do a better job. When we’re elected we have to be accountable and have to hold ourselves accountable. The children should always come first,” Sykes said.

As member of the school board Sykes said he helped recruit Dr. Eugene T.W. Sanders as superintendent, assisted the district in getting schools off of academic emergency, instated new programs and founded new schools.

Sykes wants to provide students and parents with what they need and emphasize customer service. He plans on getting members of the community involved with the district as well.

Sykes, who hasn’t sought any endorsements, said, “my record speaks for itself.”

Bob Vasquez

Bob Vasquez is currently serving as the president of the Toledo Public Schools board. He was appointed in 2008 to fill the term of Robert Torres who resigned.

“I believe that since I’ve been involved with TPS I have good ideas about taking us to the next level and pursing excellence in our schools,” Vasquez said.

Vasquez has a four-point platform to better the school district. He said the first step would be to develop community partnership and engagements. He would achieve this through partnerships with area universities, labor, elected officials, business leaders, nonprofits, parents, teachers and administration.

The second step would be fiscal responsibility, Vasquez said. He plans to make a clear financial statement available to the public at all board meetings, as well as request the treasurer to have quarterly forums about the budget to seek public input.

A diverse well-rounded curriculum would be his third goal, Vasquez said. He would also look at the underperforming schools and work to bring them to a level of the high achieving schools.

Vasquez said his final point would be stable, productive labor management relations.

“I want to see an atmosphere in the district where everyone is on the same page and moving in the same direction,” he said.

Vasquez said he has received endorsements from the Lucas County Democratic Party, Toledo Federation of Teachers, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 8, Northwestern Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, Toledo Port Council-Maritime Trades Department AFL-CIO, Toledo Area AFL-CIO Council, AFSCME Ohio Council 8, AFSCME Retiree Chapter 1184, the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Fund and Toledo Area UAW CAP Council.

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 22nd, 2009 at 6:26 pm and is filed under Community, Education, Featured.
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