Highland Local Schools Board of Education
Dr. Norm Christopher
Personal information
Incumbent Christopher, 48, is married, has four children and lives in Granger.
Education
B.S., University of Texas
M.D., University of Texas Medical School
Pediatric residency training, Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, Case Western Reserve University (CWRU)
Emergency medicine residency training; MetroHealth Medical Center; CWRU
Experience
Currently, member, Highland Local Schools Board of Education (2005-present)
Currently, director, pediatric emergency medicine, Akron Children’s Hospital (12 years)
Chairman, Department of Emergency Medicine; professor, pediatrics and emergency medicine, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine
Formerly, staff physician, Department of Emergency Medicine; coordinator, pediatric emergency medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center
Activities
Member, Emergency Medical Services
Advisory Board Member, Keep
Our Schools Excellent (KOSE) campaign, Medina County
What makes you the best candidate for the position?
“My medical education and subsequent training as a pediatric emergency physician have provided for me firsthand experience and understanding of the many important issues that affect children and their families today. As a career-long advocate for children and the issues that affect them, I am keenly aware of how important a safe and nurturing educational experience is for our children as they prepare to enter into young adulthood.
“As an incumbent candidate, I have broad experience and understanding of contemporary issues vitally important to our schools. Some of the most important issues include: school financing and fiscal accountability; the impact of athletic and other extracurricular activities on the development of our students; the responsibility of the community to support and guide the development of the school district; and the delicate partnership between the school’s administrative leadership, the Board of Education, and the community in the management of the District.”
Richard Druesedow
Personal information
Druesedow, 52, is married, has two children and lives in Sharon.
Education
B.S. Purdue University, industrial management with option in industrial engineering, 1977
M.B.A., The University of Akron, finance, 1987
Experience
Currently, president/exclusive agent, Rick Druesedow Allstate (11 years)
Formerly, director of project administration, TLT-Babcock Inc. (five years)
Formerly, regional manager, North American Van Lines (five years)
Activities
Member, Highland Strategic Planning Committee
Adviser, Medina County 4-H
Member, Highland Band Boosters
What makes you the best candidate for the position?
“As a member of the Highland Strategic Planning Committee, I have been personally involved in the development of the current five-year plan for the District.
“The current plan required
extensive research and involvement by a diverse cross-section
of our community. The final product as accepted by the
Highland Board of Education addresses the most important
challenges facing the District including how we accommodate
growth in the District and enhance academic quality
for our students. To bring
this plan to reality requires creativity and active
involvement by all Board members. At the same time,
all actions undertaken by the District must be balanced
against financial concerns as we must keep the District
in a fiscally responsible financial position.
“As a business owner with a strong financial background, I feel that my election to the Board will provide additional analytical capabilities to the Board’s decision-making process. As a parent to two high school age children, I have insight into many aspects of the educational experience at Highland. I am committed to the continued improvement to an already high quality district and look forward to serving the community.”
Mike Houska
Personal information
Houska, 47, is married, has four children and lives in Sharon. Education
Hiram College, 1982
Experience
Currently, president, Medical Resources Limited (nine years)
Activities
Director, Ohio Youth Wrestling
Member, Highland Alumni Board
Formerly, president, Love Inc. (Christian Ministry)
What makes you the best candidate for the position?
“As a business owner for 18 years, my experience can be utilized in helping make decisions both on the financial side of our school district as well as helping direct the needs that transpire as our community continues to grow.”
Editor’s note: Edward Rain, a candidate for Highland Local Schools Board of Education, did not submit information to be included in the West Side Leader’s Voter Guide.
|
