4 run for Ohio board of education seat

District 1 covers over 20 counties

11/6/2016

Voters in northwest Ohio will pick a new official to represent District 1 on the state board of education.

The district spans more than 20 counties, including Sandusky, Seneca, Hancock, Henry, Williams, Defiance, Paulding, and the southeastern corner of Fulton. Tuesday’s winner joins a state board of 19 members.

Vying for the four-year post, currently held by Lima attorney Ann Jacobs, are: Tanyce Addison, 57, of LaRue; Linda Haycock, 52, of Lima; Martha Manchester, 65, of Lakeview; and Lilli Vitale, 49, of Urbana.

Though the seat is nonpartisan, the Ohio Republican Party endorsed Mrs. Manchester, who taught in public schools. Ohio Democrats endorsed Mrs. Addison, a retired teacher.

Mrs. Manchester is an advocate of “parent choice” and charter schools, though she said she agrees with efforts to provide oversight to charters. She also wants to find ways to improve state testing.

Mrs. Addison called for the state to review how it evaluates teachers and children. She wants more accountability for charter schools.

Ms. Haycock, president of the Shawnee Schools board, cited her experience on that board and the Ohio School Boards Association. She said she wants public input to be considered as the state develops a new education plan.

Ms. Vitale did not return calls for comment.