Four running in Sheffield-Sheffield Lake School Board race

Sheffield-Sheffield Lake school board SHEFFIELD 一 Two seats on the Sheffield-Sheffield Lake Board of Education are up for election Nov. 2, and four candidates are seeking residents' votes. Incumbent school board members Sheila Lopez and Lisa Miller both are running, as well as challengers Jim Fallada and Michael Palmer. Jim Fallada Age: 46 Education: Associate degree in liberal arts from Lorain County Community College; Lorain High School graduate Family: Married; four children Job history: Five-plus years as a supply chain inventory coordinator with the Cleveland Clinic; 20-plus years of retail experience with more than five years of management experience Website: https://www.facebook.com/citizensforfallada Sheila Lopez Age: 53 Education: Bachelor's degree in business management, administration Family: Husband Tony; children Brittany Rosso (Corey), Kayla Lopez, Justin Lopez (Amanda); four grandchildren Job history: 25 years' experience in manufacturing, including Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, Energizer Battery, Nordson Corp. and currently with Stanley Black and Decker Website: Facebook Group - Vote For Sheila Lopez (facebook.com/groups/149124969481) Lisa Miller Age: 50 Education: Associate degree in radiology, Medical College of VA-VCU Family: Husband Jeff; daughters Lindsey and Ava are both Brookside alumni Job history: Vice president of business development and operations, Xcell Medical Group Michael Palmer Age: 50 Education: Bachelor's degree in business administration, minor in speech communications Family: Married 26 years; nine children Job history: Insurance industry for 26 years What makes you the best candidate for the position? Fallada: I take pride in being able to communicate with the community and others that I work with. I believe that transparency, fiscal responsibility and the ability to listen is key in being a quality school board member. I believe that I can continue to carry the torch in a school district that is steadily improving and help in making it one of the best systems in Lorain County. Lopez: I have been a member of the board for 15 years. In this time, we have had increased student achievement and opportunities as well as become financially stable. I am a lifelong resident, graduating in 1986, my children all graduated from Brookside High School, and now my grandson is enrolled. Miller: I am seeking re-election because I believe in public schools and providing the youth of our district the best educational opportunity. In addition, I feel that the community needs board members who consider the communities' interests and offer them transparency in what is going on in their district. I feel that with my school board experience, being highly involved in the district and my background in business development and operations, I possess the experience and skills required to be the liaison for the community and the school district. Palmer: We need to have successful schools that strive for excellence while being a good value for the public. My life experience will allow me to work in a team atmosphere to chart a course for students to thrive and excel in the job market upon graduation. While I believe the school system has done an excellent job, there is always room for improvement. Therefore, I am a supporter of expanded vocational training. I want to work with the business community to develop K-12 vocational programs. Enough evidence supports that the job market will embrace more students with vocational training. What is the biggest challenge facing the school district and how would you address it? Fallada: The biggest challenge facing our school district would be bringing the community together on current major issues that most schools face. In a time of so much division, I would love to be part of a board that could bring unity to the students, parents and community as a whole. Even if we differ in opinions, I want to be able to have civil discourse and, at the end of it all, do what is best for all the children of Sheffield Lake and Sheffield. Lopez: I believe the biggest challenge is remaining financially stable without needing to ask the community for any additional levies. I am a member of the finance committee and continue to watch all spending as well as look for innovative ways to increase revenues including searching for grants to supplement internal spending. Miller: Our students, like those in most districts, have experienced the effects of how not being in the classroom impacts them academically and socially. Addressing this issue requires a talented staff. From our social worker to our interventional specialists and everyone in between, identifying children that have needs is imperative. I believe if we can provide our teachers and staff a positive and inspiring culture, this will result in an environment where the children of our district will thrive and reach their social and academic benchmarks. Palmer: We can significantly improve parental participation by being more engaging (forming a parents advisory council and business advisory council). While I believe our schools run well administratively, I am uneasy about the relationship of board members with the Ohio School Board Association and a national and state push to embrace controversial initiatives and programs. I don't think that schools should be run by lawyers or run in fear of lawyers. I do not fear saying "Christmas" and embrace students reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. I will fight to ensure that our American values, common decency and respect for religious liberty remain a vital part of our public education system. — Dylan Reynolds Read more election guide coverage