Four try for the Nelsonville-York Board of Education

by Natalie Hideg and Yosuke Takanashi
Staff Writers

Candidates for the Nelsonville-York City Board of Education said concerns with school renovations and proficiency test results are high pending the upcoming election.

Four people – two of which currently are serving – are running for two positions.

David Kline, current board member, decided to run to complete the project to remodel school buildings. He said he also wants to raise students’ achievement levels on state proficiency tests.

"(I want to) keep trying to get schools in better shape," he said.

Kline said he is qualified because he is interested in what he is doing now and knows some aspects of the board.

Another nominee, Timothy Maiden is finishing out his first term on the board. He said he wants to continue the service he has provided in the past four years, and to help the schools with consistent policies and good decision-making processes.

"It's been very educational for me," Maiden said. "I feel like I've added (to the board) during the last four years and would continue to do so."

Maiden said he wants to help bring policies into running similar to how a business would be run.

"I like being involved in school and like using business experience with administration experience," he said.

Smitty Smith is running for the position on the board for the first time to become a part of the decision-making process to promote students’ education.

With the position, he wants to raise the level of proficiency tests results and to receive state funds to remodel school buildings.

"I think the biggest part of being a member of the school board is being there for kids," Smith said.

He said his career as a school resource officer for the Logan-Hocking Middle School will benefit the community.

Roberta Bunting, now retired, was treasurer of Nelsonville-York for 30 years.

She has taken interest in renovation projects such as the renovation of Poston Elementary to Nelsonville-York Junior High. The possible renovation of the Nelsonville High School interests her now.

Bunting said her background is her greatest attribute.

"My experience I've had as a treasurer of the district, especially in financial field, would be an asset to the board," Bunting said.