St. Marys City Schools
Board of Education

Strategic Plan (2007-2012)

Board Members

The board member

Ohio’s school board members are one of the largest groups of elected officials in the state and they are charged with one of the major responsibilities in government — to provide the best educational opportunities
possible for the youth of Ohio.

What does a school board member do?

Once a person has met the qualifications, been properly nominated, duly elected and officially sworn in, his or her real job begins. No one can know the various pressures, politics and satisfactions of such a position
until he or she has had the experience of serving on a board of education.

A school board sets educational goals and establishes policy for the school system based upon state laws and community values. Perhaps the most important responsibility of a school board is to employ a superintendent
and to hold him or her responsible for managing the schools in accordance with the school board’s policies.

Board members make decisions on a wide range of issues, such as hiring and evaluating a superintendent and treasurer, setting district policy, planning student services, goal-setting and long-range planning, developing curriculum, establishing budgets and creating community relations programs. A board member should be a skilled decision maker; however, decisions are only made by the board as a whole at a public meeting.

Another important part of the board’s work is its public relations role. School board members help build public support and understanding of public education, and lead the public in demanding quality education.

The school board serves as a link between schools and the public.

What a school board member doesn't do

The role and function of board members are often misinterpreted by the public, and in some cases, by board members themselves. The board is a policy-making body and members are the chief advisors to the superintendent
on community attitudes. Board members do not manage the day-to-day operations of a school district; they see to it that the system is managed well by professionals.

Board members are not education professionals. They do not evaluate staff, other than the superintendent and treasurer, nor do they typically become involved in employment interviews, other than those of the superintendent,
business manager and treasurer.
 

A good board member

We often hear that one person is a good board member, another is a bad board member, and yet we seldom hear a clear definition of what constitutes a "good" board member.

In reality, there are about as many philosophical theories about boardmanship as there are board members. However, there are some acceptable guidelines. Members must recognize that seldom do two persons react to the same problem in an identical manner, so flexibility is necessary.

As a start, the following guidelines are offered. A good board member:

  • Knows that he or she can legally act as a board member only when the board of education is in session. No one person, unless authorized, should speak on behalf of the board.
  • Avoids administrative decisions or attempts to second-guess the administration. The superintendent is the chief administrator and the board has no administrative function.
  • Is well acquainted with school policies.
  • Should vote at all times in the best interests of the children of the school district.
  • Is flexible and realizes there are times when changes must be made, when tradition cannot be honored and when pressure must be ignored.
  • Remembers that board business often requires confidentiality, especially in processes involving students, personnel, land acquisition, negotiations and security.
  • Is interested in obtaining facts, but remembers also that the administration has responsibility for operating the schools, rather than spending all its time making reports to an individual board member.
  • Is a good listener at board meetings, on the street corner, in the church, but never commits himself or herself, the board or the administration.
  • Knows that the reputation of the entire school district is reflected in his or her behavior and attitude.
  • Is able to support a decision when it is made.

Source: Ohio School Boards Association

Meet the Board Members

Member and Vice-President

Mr. Eric Langsdon
15504 Lambert Road
St. Marys, Ohio 45885
Telephone: 419-394-7340
Email: eric79@watchtv.net or eric.langsdon@hypowerequipment.com

Committee Appointments:

  • Finance and Audit
  • Transportation
  • Athletic

Board Liaison:

  • Citizens for St. Marys City Schools
  • OSBA/Student Achievement
  • City of St. Marys Council

Term: January 2006 - December 31, 2009

Member and President

Mr. Ralph Wiley
123 Augustus Street
St. Marys, Ohio 45885
Telephone: 419-394-5378
Email: r.wiley@bright.net

Committee Appointments:

  • Personnel
  • Technology
  • Community Advisory Council

Board Liaison:

  • OSFC Project Team

Term: January 2006 - December 31, 2009

Member

Mrs. Lisa Tobin
220 N. Walnut Street
St. Marys, Ohio 45885
Telephone: 419-394-6610
Email: lltddt@gmail.com

Committee Appointments:

  • Buildings & Grounds
  • Policy Programs & Planning

Board Liaison

  • Technology
  • Citizens for St. Marys City Schools
  • Wellness Committee

Term: January 2006 - December 31, 2009

Member

Mr. Rees McKee
121 S. Perry Street
St. Marys, Ohio 45885
Telephone: 419-394-2508

Committee Appointments:

  • Personnel
  • Buildings and Grounds

Board Liaison:

  • Tri-Star
  • OSFC Project Team
  • Tax Incentive Review Council

Term: January 2008 - December 31, 2011

Member

Mr. Craig Gottschalk
124 S. Perry Street
St. Marys, Ohio 45885
Telephone: 419-394-9700
Email: cag@540westmarket.com

Committee Appointments:

  • Finance & Audit
  • Policy, Programs, & Planning

Board Liaison:

  • Athletic Council
  • OSBA Legislative
  • Alumni Foundation

Term: January 2008 - December 31, 2011