Three candidates seek two seats on the Vermilion school board

Sarah Scarvelli Age: 37 Education: Associate degrees in human resource management and universal arts, Lorain County Community College Family: Three daughters; one son Website: (Facebook page) Elect Sarah Scarvelli for School Board Sara Stepp Age: 51 Education: attended The Ohio State University for three years; graduated from Cuyahoga County Community College with a degree in culinary arts Family: Married to Andrew (Rudy) Stepp; daughters, Haley and Adelina, a junior and freshman at Vermilion High School Job history: I started working as a freshman at Chez Francois when I was 15 as a dishwasher and worked my way up to line cook; worked in kitchens from Sandusky to Beachwood to Akron and landed back in Vermilion to help open Red Clay on the River. Andrew and I decided to take on our own adventure when we bought Rudy's Bar and Grill 20 years ago. Jill Treece Age: 48 Education: Vermilion High School graduate, 1995; bachelor's degree in nursing, Case Western Reserve University; master of business, operational excellence, The Ohio State University Family: Spouse Timothy Treece; children, Elliot, 14; Everett, 14; Alexandra, 9 Job history: Director of nursing, OhioHealth, Riverside Methodist Hospital; director of operations and continuous improvement, OhioHealth, Riverside Methodist Hospital; nurse manager, OSU Wexner Medical Center; nurse manager, OhioHealth, Riverside Methodist Hospital Three candidates are running for two open seats on the Vermilion Schools board. Among them is longtime incumbent Sara Stepp, who is running for reelection. She will face newcomers Sarah Scarvelli and Jill Treece. Both Treece and Scarvelli have run for the board before without success. Scarvelli in 2023, and Treece in 2021. Elected board members serve four-year terms in the district that serves about 1,660 students. Longtime board member Chris Habermehl chose not to run for reelection this year. What makes you the best candidate for the position? Scarvelli: I believe accountability is what keeps a school district strong. It matters for everyone, students, staff, parents, and administrators. I've worked in operations management since 2004, so I understand how to look at a process, find where things aren't working, and make sure they get fixed. I graduated from Vermilion in 2006 and have four kids who are or have been in the district. I know this community well and want to make sure every decision we make puts students first and moves our schools forward. Stepp: I have served on the school board for 10 years. I am running for re-election because I feel like although we have accomplished a lot of important tasks, there is always more work to be done. I know I am a valuable board member because I see the importance of education and making sure our students have the best tools to be successful in school so they can succeed in life. As an elected member of the board, I know I represent our community, I believe in being transparent, and I listen to our community and their concerns. Treece: Our schools are at the heart of Vermilion, shaping the future of our children and our community. I am running for the Board of Education to ensure our district continues to provide a safe learning environment, strong academics and preparation for life beyond graduation. With important decisions ahead for our district and taxpayers, Vermilion needs experienced and collaborative leaders in place. My goal is to draw on both my professional experience and deep connection to Vermilion to help guide thoughtful, student focused decisions, which strengthen our schools and serve the interests of our community. What is the biggest challenge facing the school district and how would you address it? Scarvelli: Things haven't been running the way they should at Vermilion Schools. We need to start making new choices instead of repeating the same ones that haven't worked. The results show it's time for a different approach. If I'm elected, I'll focus on accountability and follow-through. I won't vote for something just because others do. I want to make sure decisions lead to real improvements and that we keep track of how things turn out. With a new superintendent coming in, this is a good time to rebuild trust and make sure the board is doing what it's supposed to do, setting goals, creating policies, and representing what the community needs. Stepp: Our biggest challenge to our school district is passing our bond levy. Our schools are aging, and there are so many crucial projects that need to be addressed. We need to provide our students with an education and that includes a safe environment to learn in. I was on the bond levy committee during our last attempt and continue to help with this levy committee. We will continue to fight this fight until we pass our levy. I believe in this community, we always show up when someone is in need. Our students are in need now. Treece: The district is facing some of its most significant challenges, with aging facilities, transportation issues, tighter budgets, and enrollment shifts all happening at once. Facility investments must be carefully planned to ensure safe and modern learning spaces, while balancing taxpayer responsibility. Transportation and staffing constraints require creative solutions, such as schedule changes and regional collaboration. We must also plan for future funding changes and direct resources to the classrooms, where they have the greatest impact. By engaging in open discussions, we can make thoughtful decisions that ensure long term stability, while maintaining the quality education Vermilion families value. — Rini Jeffers