Hello, I’m Leah. My husband Kevin and I are the proud parents of two grown daughters who've spread their wings after graduating from Thomas Worthington. We also have a fabulous freshman who's making her mark there now.
Born and raised right here in the heart of Central Ohio, I've got a deep-rooted connection to this place that's hard to put into words. The sense of community, the familiar streets, the memories around every corner – they all hold a special place in my heart. I can't wait to get to know you all better and share stories that bring us even closer. So, here's to connecting, sharing, and making new memories together!
Personal life.
I love being active. When I’m not shuffling as a mom-taxi to a busy teen, you can find us hanging out with the family on the lake cracking jokes while we grill our family’s favorite meals.
After serving at church on the weekends, I live a very active lifestyle playing soccer and walking. When I’m not on my feet, I’m watching the Columbus Crew, Dallas Cowboys or professional tennis.
What differentiates me to lead on the school board?
I am a small business owner. As an entrepreneur, I have a unique perspective.
Unlike a traditional corporate job where the company fully defines your role and your goals, I am solely responsible for the success or failures in my business. I am CEO, bookkeeper, sales and marketing, the business analyst, HR and customer service all wrapped up into one. If my business doesn’t succeed, neither do I.
My unique background has fully prepared me for a seat on the Worthington School board because I’m in the trenches with our community navigating sensitive conversations daily with a diverse group of people, fostering open communications, building connections, resolving conflicts and negotiating for middle-ground solutions - qualities that are pivotal for promoting unity within our school community.
My strategic thinking, effective decision-making under pressure, and dedication to sustainable growth all stem from my business journey, and I'm excited to channel these qualities toward ensuring the best possible education for our students.
Clients share that I am persevering, kind, compassionate and someone who is innovative in going to bat to find middle-ground solutions to complex issues.
I do not have a background in politics, legal or public relations. This positions me to have no professional training in how to spin information, use corporate-speak or add fluff. I am a straight-shooting, steadfast mom who values all parent voices within our community. I actively engage with other Worthington parents on a daily basis to talk about the real issues within our schools. Together, we regularly brainstorm action-plans to be a part of the change we want to see.
Foreign exchange host family. For 5 years, our family has hosted exchange students from Azerbaijan, Venezia, Kyrgyzstan, France and Spain. I have profound cultural awareness and sensitivity that allows me to understand and respect the diverse needs of students and families within our district. My exposure to different educational practices and global perspectives equips me to contribute fresh insights and ideas to our board's discussions, ensuring our students are prepared for an increasingly globalized world. Effective communication and problem-solving skills honed while hosting are assets I'll bring to the board, enabling me to collaborate with stakeholders and make informed decisions.
By hosting, I've demonstrated community engagement, empathy, and leadership, all of which I believe are essential for fostering a supportive and enriching educational environment. My commitment to education, both locally and globally, reflects my advocacy for students' success and well-being, qualities that make me an ideal advocate as a school board member.
I am running for the Worthington School Board to:
What you can expect from me
What you shouldn’t expect from me
Rededicate the school district to student learning by prioritizing a renewed emphasis on quality education. The proper mission of schools is to provide knowledge in the academic subjects; develop skills for speaking, writing, reading, and analytical thinking; and to teach the virtues necessary for character-building. The mission of schools is to provide education, not political indoctrination.
I pledge to protect the fundamental rights of parents, including, but not limited to the right to direct the education, medical care, and moral upbringing of their children. District policy recognizes parents as the first teachers and decision-makers in children’s education and acknowledges that students reach higher levels of academic ac
I pledge to protect the fundamental rights of parents, including, but not limited to the right to direct the education, medical care, and moral upbringing of their children. District policy recognizes parents as the first teachers and decision-makers in children’s education and acknowledges that students reach higher levels of academic achievement and socialization when parents are more involved. District actions must align with their stated policy. Parents deserve to know what their children are learning.
Provide a safe and peaceful environment conducive to learning. Whether we are talking chaotic, noisy classrooms where the teacher has lost control, fights in the hallways, drugs in the bathrooms, or threats to physical safety, we need a comprehensive approach that puts safety and learning first. . I would advocate for transparent conversa
Provide a safe and peaceful environment conducive to learning. Whether we are talking chaotic, noisy classrooms where the teacher has lost control, fights in the hallways, drugs in the bathrooms, or threats to physical safety, we need a comprehensive approach that puts safety and learning first. . I would advocate for transparent conversations among administration, board members, teachers, parents, students, and police to find the best course of action for deterrence and for handling incidents. Worthington should revisit the issue of School Resource Officers.
Ensure school finances are presented honestly, taxpayer money spent responsibly, and unnecessary spending identified and curtailed. That means the district needs an attitude of frugalness and respect for the taxpayer’s pocketbook. Spending needs to be geared to getting the most educational bang out of a buck…
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