Dayton Daily News education reporter Scott Elliott writes about schools, kids, teaching and learning.
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Why they wanted the job
Here are the statements of why they sought a school board appointment from the four candidates who got serious consideration from the board:
Ronald Jackson
Jackson is expected to be appointed to the board Tuesday. He is a financial advisor with AXA Advisors and a former assistant vice president at Key Bank. He’s a graduate of Tennessee State University:
“I have a desire to be a productive citizen for our school district. As I look at the landscape of where Dayton Public School is headed, I am optimistic about its leadership. From the Board to the Superintendent, there is a strong moral foundation set in place. I see service to our students, employees, and the community. I want to be a part of that. Challenges are there, but they present opportunities that I want to be a part of. Being a member of the board would put me with a group that is effecting positive change in Dayton and the surrounding Miami Valley. If I become a part of that change or not, I applaud you for what you have done in the past, what you are doing now, and the rewards of your efforts in the future.”
David Bohardt
Bohardt ran unsuccessfully for mayor last year against Rhine McLin. He is executive vice president of the St. Mary Development Corporation and formerly was executive director of the Home Builders Association of Dayton and the Miami Valley. He is president of Preservation Dayton. He graduated from Chaminade-Julienne High School and holds a bachelor’s degree from Catholic University and a masters degree in journalism from Maryland:
“My involvement in land use and development issues over a period of more than 20 years has persuaded me, time after time, that the quality of public school instruction is a principal driver of economic development and prosperity — as well as community confidence and well-being.
Home buyers make their purchasing decisions based on the quality of local schools. Business expansion, relocation and investment depend on it. Public safety is significantly impacted by the quality of public school instruction, as are stable neighborhoods, values-centered families, and the quality of civic discourse in the community.
Through system-wide reforms, the Dayton Public School System has made remarkable progress over the past several years, but significant challenges remain with respect to (a) correction the region’s perception of our schools; (b) financing of the system; (c) using new school construction as leverage for revitalizing existing neighborhoods and creating new ones; (d) understanding how soon-to-be-abandoned buildings can contribute to economic redevelopment; (e) creating a stronger, more innovative partnership between the DPS and City of Dayton government; (f) attracting and retaining dedicated and effective teachers and administrators; and, finally, (g) sustaining the Continuous Improvement of the schools and moving to the next level of excellence.
If selected for the Dayton School Board position vacated by Mr. Luckie, I will devote my energy and focus to working with my Board colleagues, Dr. Mack and his team, and our teachers, parents and school children, to address each of these issues. I would be particularly interested in working with the business community — and especially with those businesses and business leaders located or housed outside the city — to secure their agreement that the success of Dayton’s public schools is critical for the future of our region and these enterprises. In that connection, I would expect to play a lead role in seeking region-wide business community support for the operating levy that will appear on the ballot next year.
I suffer no illusions about the challenges facing the Dayton Public Schools. But I know of nothing more important than providing the children of our city with lives whose fullest promise can be achieved only with an education of the very highest quality — and supported by a community that recognizes the achievements of this objective as a moral obligation.”
Geoffrey Drew Fuller
Fuller is a lawyer involved with government contracts and litigation for Sebaly Shillito & Dyer. He was the 1999 valedictorian at Colonel White High School and holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Dayton and a law degree from the University of Cincinnati:
“As a lifetime Dayton resident and Dayton Public Schools graduate, i have a vested interest in the success of the Dayton school system. I strongly believe in the importance of education and the invaluable opportunities that exist for shaping students’ lives. Students in the Dayton City Schools deserve an education that will prepare them to become productive and important members of society. The recent improvements in student performance and the ongoing upgrades to facilities, supplies, and technology are important steps in improving the educational opportunities offered by the Dayton Public Schools. The continued cooperation between the Board and the Superintendent and his cabinet will promote the System’s ongoing improvement. I am excited for the opportunity to work with the Dayton Board of Education, and to help continue its efforts to improve the educational opportunities offered by the Dayton Public Schools.
to continue the District’s improvement, the Board must maintain its focus on improving student results. As a successful Dayton Public Schools graduate, i am keenly aware of the opportunities available to students and the problems the District faces. Although I benefited greatly from my education, too many of my friends and classmates failed to realized their potential. While recent improvements in student performance indicate that the District is successfully addressing this problem, it remains the fundamental issue facing the Dayton Public Schools and most of its urban counterparts throughout the country.
The Board’s continued focus on holistic improvements is the key to ensuring that graduates of the Dayton Public Schools receive the education they need to become successful citizens. The new school buildings and upgrades to classroom technology and equipment will certainly support the ongoing improvement in student outcomes. Continuing to focus on both student and parent involvement is also vital for ongoing improvement. A school district with state of the art facilities and equipment, committed and well-trained teachers and administrators, engaged students and parents, and enthusiastic community support will provide students the education they need to become productive members of society.
My background and experience uniquely qualify me to work with the board to achieve these goals. As a successful graduate of the District, I understand both its successes and failures. That gives me a distinct and valuable perspective on the District. Moreover, my economic and legal education will allow me to understand the complicated issues facing the board and to provide valuable input on key issues. Perhaps my most valuable qualification is my understanding that the success of the District depends on cooperation among the Board, District, the City, and the community.
The success of the Dayton Public Schools is vital to the success of Dayton. I am sincerely committed to working with the board to provide exceptional educational opportunities to the students in the Dayton Public Schools and to help ensure they fully realize their potential.”
Nancy Nerny
Nerny retired in 1997 after 32 years as a teacher in the school district. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Dayton and a masters in education from Wright State. She volunteers at Loos Elementary School among several other volunteer activities:
“I have been working most of my life to encourage and improve education as a teacher: (1) in curriculum and training of teachers; (2) counseling parents about their children; and (3) instructing children. Since retiring, I’ve continued seeking ways to improve the lot of our schools by serving on a Board evaluation committee; talking to many Dayton citizens willing to use their resources to work on the problem; and always volunteering one whole day a week at Loos to aid students and keep informed of the progress of the schools. I would like to continue to improve education as a board member.
I’ve been frustrated about the recent changes in Dayton education — the increasing number of charter schools distracting DPS students and monies; the lack of education funding from Ohio legislators; the poor support of students’ academic growth by some parents. Yet I’ve been inspired with hope by the present Board and Superintendent to improve our schools — their willingness to make tough economic decisions and maintain consistent behavior standards. i would like to join the board and work with the members to overcome those recent challenges.
I am sensitive to and cognizant of the financial problems you currently face as well as the community support you’ll need for the next levy. As a good problem solver, I would like to use my knowledge of our community to work with other board members to come up with some options, resources, mentors, or experts to help us involve the COMMUNITY in our school system’s financing, decision making, and growth”
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