Sykes to run for Toledo school board seat

7/9/2009

A 10-year veteran of the Toledo Board of Education is throwing his hat back in the ring.

Larry Sykes, who served on the school board from 1997 through 2007, announced Thursday he will run for a seat on the school board in November.

"Everybody needs a break. So I took a break," Mr. Sykes said. "The light has changed. I've come off all the boards that I was on, I've retired, and I have more time."

Mr. Sykes, a product of Toledo Public Schools as a 1967 graduate of Scott High School, was first appointed to the board in November, 1997 to fill two years of Wilma Brown's unexpired term.

He was elected in November, 1999 and reelected four years later. He served several years as president.

Mr. Sykes was known as an outspoken member of the board during his tenure, and he said he's fine with that because he knows he has been honest and always working for what's best for the students.

"I have the passion. I have the commitment," he said. "I have the experience and I have the desire to make a difference."