League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area Education Fund
	Hamilton County, OH November 3, 2009 Election
	Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues Board Member; Oak Hills Local School District

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area and asked of all candidates for this office.     See below for questions on Qualification, Priorities Click on a name for candidate information.   See also more information about this contest. 1. What are your Qualifications for Office? (50 word limit) Answer from Jeannie Schoonover: I have an in depth understanding of how school systems work based upon my background in education. As a life-long resident of the Oak Hills School District, I am committed to the continued success of the schools and the role they play in our community. Answer from Ritsa Tassopoulos: As an educator I understand current educational initiatives. A well rounded school board should include someone who understands current educational initiatives and can help make informed decisions on their implementation in the school setting. I can utilize my 35 years of experience to guide the decision making process. 2. What plans do you have to address your top three priorities? (100 word limit) Answer from Jeannie Schoonover: As a board member, I will be an advocate for the Oak Hills schools by communicating necessary information to build support for the school system. I believe an informed community is an educated community. As the future rushes toward us, I believe it is important to participate in a proactive planning process. I will work collaboratively with the board to conduct research and build a long term plan to prepare the district for the future. Answer from Ritsa Tassopoulos: In order to retain Oak Hills' excellent rating by the Ohio Department of Education, I will support programs and professional development for staff that promote student improvement as problem solvers, goal setters, independent thinkers, not test takers. I will control spending by researching initiatives as to their value and direct our tax dollars to the education of all students. I will work toward having positive and open board meetings where all citizens feel welcome. Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. Word limits apply for each question. Direct references to opponents are not permitted. The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.