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« Politicians 2009
Thomas J. Stellers
- From:
Austintown Township, OH
- Office Sought:
Austintown Board of Education
- Thomas J.'s reasons for seeking office:
My employment history reflects a career devoted to public education. The prospect of continuing involvement in developing the potential of students is exciting. My academic preparation and 47 years of experience have provided tools for managing and leading in most aspects of the educational enterprise. I am seeking membership on the Austintown Local Board of Education to help our schools meet the challenges of education as we pursue excellence. My campaign slogan is: Education our Challenge – Excellence our Goal!
- Thomas J.'s qualifications:
In addition to the experience gained from 47 years of employment in the education profession, the associations and activities listed below provided a variety of significant opportunities for the development of expertise. Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development National Middle School Association Ohio Association of School Business Officials National Science Teachers Association Northeast Ohio School Supervisors Association Ohio Assessment Program (Science Program) Ohio Committee for Educational Information Systems Phi Delta Kappa (Education Honorary) Ohio Educational Data Systems Association (three terms as president) Ohio Educational Computer Network Management Council (committee chairman) Ohio's Project Leadership (liaison administrator, six years) Buckeye Association of School Administrators (legislative and state department of education committees) Youngstown Area Community Action Council (board member) United Way (division chairman) Cancer Society (education chairman) YMCA (Civic Day Committee) Youngstown State University (Limited Service Instructor, B.A.S.I.C.S.) Industrial Information Institute (Science Advisory Committee, Chairman) Western Reserve Church (Sunday school teacher) Ohio Department of Education Computer Software Advisory Committee (chairman) Educational Products Information Exchange - EPIE (regional trainer) Northeast Ohio Educational Media Center (advisory committee member) Ohio Department of Education Computer Fair (chairman, planning committee) Mahoning County Courthouse Restoration Project (committee member) Bowling Green State University (president, Alumni Association Board of Trustees, alumni faculty, legislative advocate) Ohio Academy of Science (district representative) Retired Senior Volunteer Program (Advisory Council Chairman, six terms) Lake-to-River Science Association (organizing member) INFOhio Chairman (program to automate Ohio's school libraries) Trustees Advisory Board (Austintown Township, Ohio, member) Austintown Township Board of Zoning Appeals (board member)
- Where Thomas J. stands on the issues:
Funding: Ohio’s scheme for funding education was overhauled in the current state budget. Attempting to resolve issues in which the Ohio Supreme Court found the dependence upon local property tax unconstitutional, the funding formulas to be flawed, and the nature of educational adequacy unclear; the Ohio General Assembly adopted the Ohio Evidence Based Model (OEBM) for establishment of the biennial budget. There is provision for funding increases. However, there will be a ten-year phase-in. This schedule, the economy, and the court decision on slot machines retain much of the uncertainty that school districts have dealt with for years. It is, nevertheless, the obligation of the school district to provide education for students of the 21st century. School Buildings: All of Austintown’s elementary school buildings are more than fifty years old. Mechanical systems are due for refurbishment, repair, or replacement; and the requirements of technology require renovation of these structures. As has been seen in neighboring districts, retro-fitting is considerably more costly than building new facilities. It is now Austintown’s turn to benefit from funding from the Ohio School Facilities Commission which will provide 47% funding for new construction. It seems to be fiscally irresponsible to walk away from nearly $30 million. Dress Code: I was surprised when wearing my campaign T-shirt to the Canfield Fair. Several people approached saying things like, “I wish our school district had the guts to institute a dress code.” Some teachers have reported improvement in behavior - and the learning environment in general - since the new regulations went into effect. I was not involved in any of the discussions, aware of specific issues, or knowledgeable about availability of certain items of clothing. It is a “hot topic” when discussion about school operations arises. Obviously, as the fashion world modifies its product lines, as society evolves, and as students refine their concepts of what’s “in,” revisions and updates will be necessary. Busing and Open Enrollment: These issues are representative of the dilemma of the Austintown Local Schools and the Austintown Board of Education. It would be quite a service if our students could be transported from their front doors to school and back. It might strengthen the sense of community if only township residents were enrolled. However, the pressure to adopt cost-cutting measures is intense. So, attempting to reduce expenditures and increase revenue, the board of education has modified many aspects of the school district’s operation. I hope that these decisions were made in the best interests of Austintown’s kids - not just to increase the bank balance. Would I have made the same decisions? I’m not sure, because I was not party to the deliberations of the board. My guarantee is that behind every vote I make as a board of education member will remain the strong belief that our kids deserve the best learning opportunities, provided by the best teachers available, in pleasant surroundings, serviced by competent and caring support staff.
- Thomas J.'s priorities if elected:
In Ohio, members of a board of education act in that capacity only when the board is in session. At other times, they remain as citizens of the community. There are five board members. So, any impact upon the school district by a single board member is limited to 20% of a decision. To me, the top priority for Austintown’s schools is achieving excellence. I have adopted this definition, “The best teaching isn’t just information passed on, it’s one life invested in another.” As a board of education member, I would strive for the adoption of policies which support our teachers as they risk investment of their lives in the lives of Austintown’s kids. We must insist on the best in all aspects of our schools. So, I see, ”Education our Challenge – Excellence our Goal!”
- Related Campaigns
I'd vote for you, but I've been out of your jurisdiction for about 30 years. However, I certainly remember your dedication to improving the educational opportunities of Mahoning County students, especially with the then-nascent countywide computer system. Austintown couldn't have a more committed Board member. Good luck!
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