Two educators hope to represent District 2 on State School Board

Two educators are hoping to represent Ohio's District 2 on the state school board. State Sen. Teresa Fedor, D-Toledo, and Republican Sarah McGervey hope to represent schools and students in Erie, Huron, Lorain, Lucas, Ottawa and Wood counties in Columbus starting next year. Both have experience as teachers — McGervey is a Catholic middle school teacher, while Fedor was a teacher for nearly 20 years before first elected to the Statehouse in 2001. Incumbent Kirsten Hill did not seek re-election. McGervey most recently ran to represent Ohio's 53rd House District in the May primary but lost to fellow Avon Lake resident Marty Gallagher. TERESA FEDOR Age: 66 Party: Democratic Education: University of Toledo, bachelor's degree Family: Daughter of Clayton and Loretta Taylor and the second-eldest of seven children. Mother and grandmother. Job History: Served in the Ohio Legislature for 22 years as a state senator and state representative; educator for 18 years, Toledo Schools; served in U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard. Website: www.TeresaFedor.com SARAH McGERVEY Age: 32 Party: Republican Education: Master of Arts, Boston College; Bachelor of Science Cleveland State University; associate degrees from Lorain County Community College Family: Niece and nephew plus a large extended family Job History: Teacher in elementary, middle and high school Website: Electsarahmcgervey.com What makes you the best candidate for the position? Fedor: Serving 22 years as a legislator and 17 years as a teacher, I bring both history and experience qualified to address and ensure equity and public transparency. I support a constitutional public education system for the common good. I am proud of my record as a state legislator fighting for Ohioans, not just in education but issues like human trafficking, access to health care and good-paying jobs, but it was time to focus on our classrooms in a different way. I'm a veteran, a state legislator and, most of all, a teacher. I ask for your vote to send me to the Ohio State School Board and together we can focus on our future for our children in our classrooms. McGervey: I believe I am the best candidate for this position because I am an educator; it just makes sense. Sending an educator to the board of education is the best thing we can do to ensure the future of our children's education. What is the biggest challenge facing the district and how would you address it? Fedor: Public education built this nation; let's not lose sight of what gives all Americans their greatest opportunity for success. As a legislator, I have been focused on holding our public and charter schools accountable and to modernize our education system. I also worked to hold down the costs for higher education. I hope to expand on providing more opportunities for students by supporting a constitutional funding formula, reducing state testing, reforming Ohio's report card to reflect school quality and, most importantly, supporting teachers in the classroom by investing in professional development. McGervey: The biggest challenge facing the district right now in the education process is the lack of parental involvement in education. This will be addressed by involving parents more at various stages throughout the education process.