The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area and asked of all candidates for this office.

See below for questions on Qualification, Priorities, Parental involvement

Click on a name for other candidate information.   See also more information about this contest.

Answer from James E. Wright:

1. Former Treasurer and President of VPCA and CAFA

2. Worked as a volunteer on several Finneytown School committees: Welcome, Levy, Legislation, Mentor, Wrestling, and PTA.

3. Served within the Finneytown Community in various organizations. For example: Bridge Builders, VPCA, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Softball, and etc.

Answer from Cindy J Rebman:

As a 19 year resident of Finneytown, I've become increasingly involved in Finneytown schools. I've made a point to be informed about the ever-changing topics in our buildings. My nursing background helps me to be sensitive to other's concerns while using a logical approach to problem solving.

Answer from Eletha G. Brady-Roberts:

I moved to Finneytown in 1995 and have appreciated working with families in our district. I have been involved with several Finneytown school district activities; both curriculum- and extracurricular-related activities. Also, I have held leadership positions at work which has afforded me the skills to help move the district forward.

Answer from Laura M. Horn:

I feel that by being active in numerous committees and groups at Finneytown, I have had the opportunity to fully understand the challenges that lie ahead for our school district. Adding my professional experience I feel equipped to assist the School District and the Board in making informed decisions.

Answer from Eletha G. Brady-Roberts:

I will work to foster the continuous pursuit of excellence in our community and the education of our students. I have always been impressed by the number of generational families residing in Finneytown. It is my goal to help maintain this richness by advancing our efforts to provide a safe, quality education for our children in a fiscally responsible manner. It is my personal view that an excellent educational system goes far beyond achieving an excellent rating on the Ohio Educational Score Card, it meets the needs of growing and changing families and inspires our youth to achieve their goals.

Answer from Cindy J Rebman:

Stagnant approaches to education no longer work. As a district we need to be alert for new programs, that other schools are using successfully. Both the R.O.A.R. program (Whitaker) and the alternative education program (high school), are examples of making someone else's idea our own with tremendous results. School funding has become increasing challenging. Many districts are being forced to cut programs or go to pay-to-play structures. One idea I have is to require each student participating in any activity beyond the standard state curriculum, to donate one shift at a fundraiser for each activity they are in.

Answer from James E. Wright:

1. Work with the current board on monitoring the process and progress of the CIP goals. My life's educational experiences have taught me that it a takes a team with visible plans, goals and a general consensus.

2. Work with the Board and School in setting up Booklets, Bulletins, Magazines, other Printed and Multimedia materials showing students on various Teams, Clubs, Committees and other related school services.

3. Distribute the more economic materials to Local Businesses, Religious Organizations, Civic Groups, Parents and other institutions not mentioned.

4. Work with the Board and School on conducting Town Meetings and gather information regarding the issues, concerns, misunderstandings, agreements and the direction of the school district.

5. Create and work with a committee(s) and address the information gathered.

Answer from Laura M. Horn:

Once elected to the Finneytown School Board I would continue to focus on striving for excellence and building on the diversity that is found within our District. Also, to build upon the visions that have already been put forth by previous Board Members and our continuous improvement planning team(CIP). Great strides have been made, however, as with all things, continual monitoring and updating of strategies is necessary.

Answer from Laura M. Horn:

The Finneytown Community has always maintained a strong parental involvement component. Once elected to the board I would like to explore further what the limitations are for those parents who are not currently involved, and determine how to engage and increase their involvement with the schools.

Answer from Cindy J Rebman:

Finneytown Local Schools have an excellent level of parental and community involvement. I would however like to see these numbers increase and more closely match our student population. As a grade representative, I've made a point of calling different parents to help with class projects and field trips. Many adults may not feel as at home in our buildings as I do. They need to be reached out to through our administration, teachers, staff, students, parents, organizations, and volunteers. A larger variety of adult role models can show students that success can come in all shapes, sizes, ages, and colors.

Answer from Eletha G. Brady-Roberts:

I am committed to ensuring that parents continue to be informed regarding school related policies and have an active voice in the decision making process. I will serve as an active listener for the various organizations involved in promoting a positive environment for our students and their families. Also, I shall work hard to get more individual families involved in the school system. Since children usually lead the way for parents to become more involved, it is critical that we help our students feel a sense of community. Therefore, a strong sense of community will ultimately increase our parental involvement.

Answer from James E. Wright:

Finneytown is blessed with such a high percentage of parental involvement on several levels. However to increase this participation there are a few mechanisms I would like to put into place.

I would request ideas from the Board and School, to effectively send out systemized communications in media forms i.e. postings on websites, bulletin boards, phone calls and any other methods that are feasible.

I would seek to reach as many students and parents in the Finneytown community regarding the school Town Meetings. Committees would come from these meetings to formulate objectives, goals, plans, and strategies to increase parental involvement. The reward at the end of the school year is an appreciation party.

The order of the candidates is random and changes daily.