Vella King

When I was elected 12 years ago, the district had just cut programs and staff, the district was in fiscal caution, there was a lack of transparency and trust of the school administration by many of the community members, our bus fleet was very aged and maintenance of school property was not being completed. I had certain ideas of what I would like to see happen but everything that happened has happened as a team. The board has been a part of bringing back lost opportunities for our students through suggestions made in the initial 5 year strategic planning process. During 2017, the final plan was approved by the board and has been updated yearly to reflect the next year in the 5 year timeline. The bus fleet has been improved with the purchase of two replacement buses per year until all of the oldest buses were replaced. Each year the buses and vans are reviewed to determine if a bus or van needs purchased. This has lowered both the average age of the fleet and drastically reduced the annual maintenance cost of the transportation fleet. The technology of the district has improved to a 1:1 ratio of students to devices. The board is also utilizing technology (Google Drive) to access board documents. This results in a savings cost of labor, paper and postage previously required to provide board documents. A maintenance schedule for the new one campus facility and sports complexes is in the works to allow for proper maintenance and budgeting. The school's financial situation is in the black despite the loss of continued state funding. This means we rely on local monies more each year. The administration is always looking at the best options to be fiscally responsible and the community has been very responsive to the needs of the district. The administration has implemented many ways to be transparent and openly communicate with the community but that is always evolving and improving. The board policy manual, which had not been updated since 1998, was updated in 2015 and was reviewed and updated again in 2025. The policy manual that is both searchable and contains links to the applicable Ohio Revised Code is hosted on the new district website. Facebook, Instagram, OneCall and other tools are now being used as communication tools. In 2024, I received the S.T A.R. award (Service, Training, Aptitude and Recognition) Service: Points for the Service Award accrue from local school board district, board-appointed region and state leadership, including service on OSBA committees and local board offices and committees. The Service Award requires 150 points to be earned within a three-year period. In addition to serving on my local board and its strategic planning, insurance, policy, and negotiation committees, I have served on the Northeast Ohio School Board Executive Board, the Federal Legislative Advocacy Group, the Small School District Advisory Network and the Arrangements and Hospitality team for the state conference. Training: Points are earned from professional development events and activities delivered by OSBA and the Coalition of State School Board Associations (COSSBA). The Training Award requires 200 points earned over a three-year period. I have striven to learn all I can about being a good board member. When I was elected in 2013, but not installed yet, I paid my own way to attend Capital Conference, the premier learning and collaboration event for school board members. Last year, I was honored to be a delegate at the convention. I have attended over 85 educational workshops and conferences during my tenure including a workshop for board presidents, the Board Leadership Institute, and various legal workshops. Aptitude: The Aptitude Award requires a board member to demonstrate an understanding and comprehension of a variety of board governance skills based on six leadership areas: vision, accountability, policy, community engagement, relationships and advocacy. To receive this award, board members must receive an 80% passing score on an online assessment. The assessment is offered in June and July and may be taken multiple times by a board member who does not receive an 80% score and wants to try again during the annual assessment period. I received 100% on the first try which I attribute to my many trainings. Recognition: A board member may be nominated for the Recognition Award by his or her own school board with a majority vote of the board. This award honors board members most dedicated to the craft of being a model board member and I am privileged to have been nominated by my fellow board members. In 2025, I was one of six board members from the NE region to be named a Master School Board Member. To receive the Master Board Member Award, you need to earn the Service, Training, Aptitude and Recognition Awards within a three year period. There are approximately 3500 board members in Ohio but only 28 board members statewide have earned the Master Board Member Award since the STAR Awards started in 2020.

The unconstitutional use of state taxpayer funds to continue to provide EdChoice vouchers to private and/or religious schools.

Farmer