Norton City Schools Board of Education
Jim Bennett
Personal information
Bennett, 50, is married, has four children and lives in Norton.
Education
B.S., U.S. Air Force Academy, 1979
M.B.A., Tiffin University, 2004
Experience
Currently, director of steel industry strategic accounts, PVS Chemicals (20 years)
Formerly, member, Norton Board of Education (1994-96, 2002-05); vice president (2004)
Activities
Currently, volunteer liaison officer, U.S. Air Force Academy Admissions (since 2006)
Formerly, president, Cleveland Chemical Association (2005-06)
Formerly, member, Norton Board of Education committees: Finance, Building and Grounds, and Transportation; Athletic Council
Formerly, president, Norton Kiwanis Club (2001-02)
What makes you the best candidate for the position?
“I think my education and experience place me in the best position to make an immediate contribution to the Norton Board of Education. I earned my Bachelor of Science Degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy and my Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Tiffin
University. I have over 20 years
of business experience as well as six years of past
school board experience.
I know what board members can and should do. My business
and board experiences enable me to understand complex
educational finance issues as well as the financial
information included in the district’s five-year
forecasts. I will ask the right questions from the first
day on the job. I will support the superintendent’s
and district employees’ efforts to improve our
curriculum, enhance our course offerings, and provide
innovative methods of delivery while living within
our means.”
Ben Hyder
Personal information
Hyder, 48, is married, has two children and lives in New Franklin.
Education
B.S., The University of Akron, chemical engineering, 1983
Experience
Currently, customer support engineer, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (24 years)
Activities
Member, Norton Music Boosters
Member, Akron Baptist Temple
What makes you the best candidate for the position?
“I feel that I possess
all of the best skills for serving the Norton [City
Schools District]. I am a parent of two students from
this excellent district. I have been a resident of the
school district for more than 16 years. My wife and
I have been involved in nearly every facet of our children’s
education. Most recently I was able to take advantage
of an invitation by the school board to assist
in the selection of our new Superintendent. These experiences
provide a perspective that
might be considered that of an outsider. Because of
that I can bring a different
perspective that will be more like the average voter
than someone who has served on the board before. I will
be able to look at things as someone who has a very
strong interest in Norton students being able to get
the best education. I will also be aware that the funds
that allow this excellent education are provided by
hard working people and must be used wisely. I realize
that good relationships are critical for the schools
and the community to move forward. I further realize
that these relationships are built on trust and openness
and an honest respect for the members of the community
who are the real owners of the Norton City Schools District.”
Elisa Worthington
Personal information
Worthington, 45, is married, has one child and lives in Norton.
Education
Graduate, Norton High School, 1980
B.A., Anderson University, communications, 1985
Experience
Currently, supervisor in collection area, FirstMerit Bank (17 years)
Activities
Currently, secretary; formerly, president, Norton Alumni Association
Currently, assistant treasurer, Norton Band Boosters
Currently, treasurer, Barberton Church of God
What makes you the best candidate for the position?
“I am a 1980 graduate of Norton City Schools. I would come to the table of the Norton School Board with high goals for the students of Norton. My job would be to work with the leaders of the city to obtain needed land in order to build newer facilities for the students. I want to work with the teachers to make sure that they have the needed materials to prepare the students. We have worked very hard to achieve an excellent school district rating and I want to help maintain that honor.
“As a taxpayer in the city of Norton, and as one who works in the banking industry, I feel that I am qualified to review the budgets for the school district, and make responsible decisions for the people of Norton.
“I want what is best for the students of Norton. I want to see Norton grow and become all that it can be.
“I would consider this position an honor as I serve the students, and the people of the Norton community.”
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