(Two to elect this general election)

Betsy Ahlquist

AGE: 46

3 GOALS OR PRIORITIES:

1. From attending many board meetings over the years, I am aware of an unfortunate disconnect that happens between the teachers, superintendent and the board of education. I would love to bridge this gap. I want to find a way to work in harmony with the teachers union, so that all teachers will feel supported and appreciated.

2. Education is very important to me. The academics at Canfield are excellent. I would like to see improved offerings at the high school level for more basic life skills classes. Not all students want AP or advanced courses. I want to make sure all students excel and get to their full academic potential at Canfield, even if college is not in their future.

3. I want to make sure Canfield preserves and enhances our current art, music and STEM programs. We have excellent programs in place for grades K-12, and I want to continue to grow in these areas. I also want to make sure we have library coverage for our two elementary schools because right now, there is no librarian. Even if we could have a “media aide” take the reins to oversee the elementary library, I think that would be beneficial to our students and a definite upgrade from where we are now.

PREVIOUS ELECTED OFFICE: None

Steven DeMaiolo

AGE: 38

3 GOALS OR PRIORITIES:

1. Facilities: It is no secret that our facilities need upgraded, with a middle school that is over 100 years old and many other maintenance concerns across the district. Our kids deserve better. I support the levy, but also understand and respect it is a big ask for the community.

2. Curriculum: I would like to work on updating the curriculum to better prepare our kids for today’s workforce. I believe as a district, we can get more creative with scheduling and work to include courses centered around nontraditional topics such as skilled trades, cybersecurity and real-world financial literacy.

3. Pride: Another area of focus for me is celebrating what it means to be a Canfield Cardinal. Having gone to Canfield from kindergarten through 12th grade, coaching here for 17 years and teaching in the district for three, there is no doubt I bleed red and black. For me, being a Cardinal is more than a few catchy slogans that get shared every couple years; it’s about the traditions built by generations of students, educators and community members. We need to harness our past and build a strong alumni base.

PREVIOUS ELECTED OFFICE: none

Jill DeRamo

AGE: 46

3 GOALS OR PRIORITIES:

1. I plan to address the facility needs while being fiscally responsible and keeping costs reasonable to the taxpayer. As a board member, I will advocate to our state government and seek additional revenue streams. I believe the district needs to develop and adhere to a strategic, long-term plan that eliminates and / or prevents deficit spending. I believe regular maintenance is key to long-term sustainability.

2. I plan to deliver transparent communication and foster relationships with all community members. This is important to gather community support for the schools and assure the community has a voice on the board. All school board meetings should be recorded and streamed online so the public can easily view them. I am also in favor of recorded discussions related to the approval of outside contracts. I do not believe these discussions should take place in executive session.

3. I will focus on providing educators with the resources and technology needed to provide high-quality educational and extracurricular programming. If elected, I will strive to make the teachers feel supported both personally and professionally.

PREVIOUS ELECTED OFFICE: none

Robert L. Smallwood Jr.

(incumbent)

AGE: 53

3 goals or priorities:

1.Keeping Canfield Local School District fiscally sound. As a current Canfield school board member, one of my duties is being responsible for hiring and working with the treasurer of our school district. As a certified public account and owner of an investment and retirement planning business, my background serves the school board well when sitting in finance committee meetings or reviewing and approving contracts, spending requests and other financial matters that present themselves. The school board needs members who understand the role of a treasurer, can read budgets, forecasts and financial statements, understand how money works and how the school district is funded.

2. Continuing the educational excellence of the CLSD. To be excellent in anything, individuals need to be well-rounded. This is accomplished by not only offering in a traditional sense of reading, writing and arithmetic, but also development in the arts (instrumental band, choir, theater, art, etc.) as well as extracurricular activities, for example, speech and debate, National Honor Society and robotics.

3. Continue to work with the community to keep them informed on important issues. One of the most important jobs of a school board member, in addition to hiring the superintendent and treasurer, is being a liaison between the school district and the community. I believe in full transparency and communicating more efficiently with the Canfield community.

PREVIOUS ELECTED OFFICE: Appointed to Board of Education empty seat July 20.

Justin Taylor

AGE: 43

3 goals or priorities:

1. My first priority is uncompromised fiscal responsibility. We have been spending about $1 million more than we are bringing in on a yearly basis. I would achieve improvement on spending by using financial and tax professionals to see where improvements can be made.

2. My second priority is the mental health, safety and stability of our students in the classroom. Our middle school needs the most help. We need increased awareness on bullying by bringing in speakers and continuing to build off programs like “Guys with Ties,” a boys mentorship program to try to give the boys positive male role models in their community that speak about positive work ethic and character.

3. My third priority is a commitment to the highest standard of academic excellence while staying on the cutting edge of technology. Along with academics, I would like to see improvement in the gifted and special education programs.

PREVIOUS ELECTED OFFICE: None