Local News

4 candidates vie for two seats on Leetonia school board

LEETONIA -- Four candidates, including a write-in, are seeking one of two open seats on the Leetonia school board on Nov. 7.

Marilyn Heddleson, Michele Votaw and Anthony Pelsnik will be on the ballot with Ashley Huston running as a write-in candidate.

Heddleson, a lifelong educator, has never been elected to office but was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Leetonia school board in 1991 and currently serves on the board having been appointed to fill a vacancy left by Richard Hendricks.

"Having lived in Leetonia all of my life, I believe I have a very good understanding of our community," Heddleson said. "I have a great deal of experience in public education with 40 years as a teacher and two and half years serving on the school board. I am retired and have time to serve the school as a board member and also be available to address concerns of the community."

Heddleson, a graduate of Leetonia in 1968 and Thiel College in 1972, also currently serves on the Leetonia Oakdale Cemetery Board. She also volunteers at the Big Reach Center of Hope Food Pantry and teaches Sunday school.

However, her true passion is education and that is why she is seeking election to the school board.

"Education has always been an important part of my life, whether it be as a student or an educator," she said. "Leetonia Schools have a respected history in our county. We have graduated many who are now professional and skilled adult members. We must ensure our school system is even stronger in the next 50 years than it is today. A quality public education requires the school working in harmony with the community. I seek this school board seat to be a part of that process."

Heddleson and her husband of 50 years, Ray, have two sons and three grandchildren.

Votaw, who graduated from Central Regional High School in New Jersey and the University of Delaware with a BA in English, is also seeking elected office for the first time.

Votaw said that the importance of a quality education is what led to her decision to run for one of the open seats.

"I believe that education is the cornerstone of a community and I want to be the bridge that links our community and school district," Votaw said. "I want to continue to be a good steward of the district's finances. I want to provide our community with a solvent school system that is progressive and reflexive. I will be available and open to the concerns of the community and staff and work together to support school administration with the tools they need to work together."

She also stated that the relationships she has already established within the community make her a quality candidate for the job.

"I know and am known by teachers, administrators, secretaries, food service staff, custodians and bus drivers," she said. "I believe these relationships lend to a transparency of who I am. I have demonstrated through words and actions that I am committed to the children of the Leetonia Exempted School."

Votaw has been a resident of Leetonia for 40 years, having moved to the village after marrying her husband Dan. The Votaw family, she said, has a long history in Leetonia and a long history of community involvement.

"There has been a Votaw happily residing at the corner of Oak and Main for over 75 years," she said. "Our family has been actively involved in the Leetonia School District from serving as boosters, coaches and board members. Personally, I have worked in the school for 11 years before retiring. I have served as band booster president for six years helping to support one of our finest assets. I have served as substitute teacher and coordinator. I have worked in various positions from Spelling Bee coordinator to Public Relations and Transportation Supervisor. My work experience with the system itself gives me a unique perspective with how to continue to move the district forward."

Votaw is a mother of three and grandmother to two.

Huston said she believes she too would bring a unique perspective to the position if elected. She is a mother of six children, ranging from ages 11 to 18, five of which are enrolled in Leetonia. Huston has experience in health care administration and though she called her qualifications "limited" she said she feels her role as a mother makes her the perfect advocate for other children.

"My qualifications are limited as I have never held an office before and don't have much experience in it, but honestly, I feel my only and best qualification is a mother and community member. I am not the most orthodox candidate but I am very driven," Huston said. "I feel voters should consider me because even though I have little to no political experience I have great charisma and willingness to learn new things every day. I'd be new and wouldn't be 'stuck' in old ways."

Huston said she believes the district should embrace change, encourage growth and think outside of the box.

"I am seeking this office to help our school grow and adapt with cultures," she said. "To provide my insight on much needed change to help our school better provide for our children in ways they may not have thought of and to give open minded opinions and insight to our current ways."

Huston has been married to her husband John for 14 years.

The paper did not receive a response to a pre-election questionnaire from Pelsnik.