BELOIT–Voters will decide who will fill the remainder of the unexpired term ending Dec. 31, 2027, which was vacated by former West Branch Board of Education Member Aaron Hawk as appointed incumbent Debbie Helm faces challenge from Svetlana Herron.

Hawk resigned from the board on April 10, citing a need to be more available for his family, and his wife’s recent professional promotion as the reasons for his resignation. Helm was appointed to fill the remainder of the term in a May 7 special meeting.

Debbie Helm, 61, is a 1982 Marlington High School alum, and a 1994 Hannah E. Mullins Practical School of Nursing graduate and is a certified clinical systems administrator. Helm has worked at Crandall Medical Center for the last 30 years, where she is currently an Administrative Nurse and Manger of Technical Operations and the Staff Education Department. Helm is married to her husband Mike, with whom she has five adult children, Adam, Shane, Stephanie, Kyle and Dana, and has eight grandchildren, and volunteers for educational events in the district like science fairs, and has volunteered to assist the athletic department with annual physicals for the last 25 years and has also volunteered to run services for the wrestling program including running the hospitality room and conducting weight assessments. Helm also volunteers at Copeland Oaks events including car shows, their annual Easter egg hunt and other outdoors activities, and has been a member of the University of Mount Union’s Nursing Advisory Board for the last 10 years.

Helm said that she was seeking election because she feels she “can make a difference” and wants to “give back to a community that helped mold [her] own children into who they are today,” and cited her experience serving on multiple committees, writing, reviewing and auditing policies, supervising and communicating with multiple employees, and managing her department’s budget in her professional career as what qualified her for a board position. When asked why residents should elect her Helm said that she has been a member of the West Branch community for more than 40 years, and with her upcoming retirement would be able to focus fully “on the school board position that [she has] desired to do for years.” She also said that she would “advocate for all students, teachers and staff,” and for the “physical and mental wellbeing of all students as well as their personal rights to a safe environment always.”

“I have no political agenda, and I am seeking this position for all the right reasons. I would love to finish out the term I was appointed to back in May of 2025. I love my community, and I love our school district,” said Helm. “This has been on my heart and mind for several years, and I am now able to devote the time needed to be the best school board member I can be for our children, staff, and community. I will represent the West Branch School District with trust and transparency.”

Svetlana Herron, 51, graduated with a degree of professional education as a Dental Laboratory Technician form the School for Dental Technicians in Belgrade Serbia in 2004, a certificate of proficiency in dental assisting from Cuyahoga Community College in 2009, an associate’s degree in dental hygiene from Stark State College in 2012, and her bachelor’s degree in organization supervision from the University of Akron in 2016. Since 2012, Herron has worked as a dental hygienist at several companies and has been the co-owner and Tenant Manager of Herron & Sons, LLC since 2015. Herron has been married to her husband since 2010, with whom she has two sons who are enrolled in the district in third and fifth grade, and has been an active volunteer for district events at both the Early Learning Center and Middle School. Herron also serves as a Sunday School teacher and auditor of the Old Holy Trinity Church Board and is the current Secretary of the Circle of Serbian Sisters Women’s Club.

Herron said that she was seeking election to the board of education “to help build stronger communication, restore community trust, and ensure our educators feel supported and valued,” and because she believes “in transparency, responsible decision-making, and keeping students at the center of every discussion.” Herron cited her “well-rounded background in healthcare, business management, community service, and active school involvement” and the communication, organization, leadership and budgeting skills that background have given her as what qualify her to serve on the board of education. When asked why resident should elect her to the board of education Herron said that she possesses “a combination of real-world experience, strong community involvement, and a deep personal investment in the success of West Branch Schools” and that as a parent of two students in the district she “understands firsthand what families expect from our schools.” She also said that she was “running to represent the everyday voices of parents, teachers, and community members who want open communication, responsible decisions, and a school board that puts students first,” and that she would “bring a strong voice and a listening ear to the table.”

“As a parent, professional, and active member of our community, I’m committed to serving with integrity, respect, and a strong sense of responsibility,” said Herron. “My journey–from immigrating to the U.S., pursuing education while raising a family, to volunteering in our local schools–reflects my dedication to hard work and public service. I care deeply about the future of West Branch Schools and will work to ensure that every student, teacher, and family feels supported, heard, and valued.”