HANOVERTON — A political newcomer seeks to snag one of three United Local school board seats on the day of November’s general election.

Wendy Doyle

Wendy Doyle, of Guilford Lake, has served on the school board of her alma mater for 12 years. She taught at both Lisbon and later United Local before retiring.

Serving as a past board president, she notes that her experience combined with her previous board service has provided her with a great knowledge of the district’s innerworkings.

Doyle also is a past recipient of the Ohio School Board Association’s Aptitude Award.

In addition to being a member of Winona Friends Church, she also is a member of the Winona Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, the Winona Historical Society, Guilford Lake Civic Association and the Senior Moments Cafe as well as a member of United Local’s athletic, choir and band boosters, PTO and FFA.

She and her husband Daryl have two adult sons, making them all graduates of United Local.

Doyle said that her board experience has been invaluable, especially the knowledge gained about school finance and a deeper appreciation for the district and its operations.

“I believe United Local is one of the best districts in Columbiana County,” she said. “(We have) top notch teachers and staff, supportive parents and students who want to learn.”

Doyle has served part of the board building this new school, and she would like to see that through to completion.

“Keeping the children as are number one priority is my main goal. We need to continue improving academics, support our staff, provide professional development, remain fiscally responsibly and negotiate fair contracts for staff,” Doyle concluded.

Denise Rhodes

As the current United Local board president, Rhodes herself is an alumna.

Currently serving her eighth year as a board member, she is seeking to continue what she strived to accomplish during her two previous terms: a commitment to quality education opportunities for students, providing the best staff possible, and keeping the district financially sound while completing the K-12 building project.

Rhodes is a consumer loan officer.

“I feel I am a valuable asset to the board based on my commitment, consistency and connection,” She explained. “I make myself available for conversations to all community members to listen and learn from ideas and suggestions that encourage growth.”

Rhodes and her husband of 28 years, Jason, have four adult children: Nicholas, Landon, Brock and Rachael.

RuthAnn Rinto

Rinto, a retired district administrator, also serves as the secretary for the United Community Scholarship Foundation, United Wall of Fame Committee, United Athletic Booster Club and Winona Area Historical Society.

She believes her career experiences as a teacher, principal and ultimately as United Local’s superintendent have given her a strong knowledge and understanding of all the parts and processes of the educational system. Due to her retired status, Rinto said that she has the time and dedication to attend meetings and school activities, allowing her to be a responsible board member.

“I believe strongly in giving back to the community that I am fortunate enough to live in,” she continued. “I enjoy helping to keep United Local a dynamic and caring school district that prepares our students for their future.”

As a member of the current school board, Rinto cited the construction of the new K-12 building at no cost to United Local taxpayers as one of her greatest accomplishments. “From wearing a hard hat and walking around the excavation, rebar and plumbing pipes to watching the students walk into the building on the first day of school, it has been an amazing process,” she added.

Rinto said that she already has proved herself an effective school board member through her ability to work with her fellow board members and district administrators. In addition to understanding those dynamics, she has no special or personal agendas. “I am not afraid to make decisions that are in the best interests of United Local and our students.”

Rinto has been married six years to David Gilliss and has five adult children, two of which are United Local graduates.

Lenny VonFeldt

VonFeldt, who supervises the maintenance departments at both the Kensington and Leesville gas processing plans, relocated to the area in 2013 when moving to the area to help commission the Kensington plant.

During the past decade, his team has volunteered for a lot of efforts locally, including the Brightside Project, Columbiana County Humane Society, Lisbon Montessori and United Local schools.

VonFeldt also boasts no personal agenda beyond returning the kindness that the community granted him and his daughter when they moved to the area.

“I am simply passionate about education and want to ensure our students and staff continue to thrive in a safe, healthy and supportive environment,” he explained. “With the opening of our beautiful new school, I believe my financial expertise and understanding of preventative maintenance are valuable assets I can bring to the board.”

VonFeldt and his wife Angela have four children in their blended adult family: Emma, Christopher, Ben and Steven.