Five candidates compete for three Minerva school board seats

As a service to readers, The Free Press Standard sent letters with questions to the five contested candidates for the Minerva Local School District Board of Education, of which three are to be elected at the Nov. 4 general election.

The five candidates are Susan Crawford, Thomas M. Freeland, Roger P. Herstine, Tara Lawson, and Donald J. Spinell.

Following are the answers to four questions submitted to each candidate who responded.

Susan B. Crawford 

80, 795 Union Ave., Minerva

Are you an incumbent or new, and what are your qualifications? 

"I am an incumbent, having served on the Minerva Board of Education since January 1998. My background includes study of child development, volunteering in various ways while my four children were students in Minerva schools, six years working in the Minerva Junior High library, and 13 years working for the Minerva Public Library Youth Services Department. Early childhood literacy, educating students with special needs, and nurturing our arts programs are particular focuses of my volunteer visits to the schools. Through my service to the board as student achievement liaison, during our meetings I present educational advancement ideas highlighted monthly by the Ohio School Board Association and share observations from my visits to the schools."

What changes do you feel are needed in your school system? 

"An amazing amount of change in our schools has come about during my years on the board. New and improved facilities are the most obvious changes, but there has been so much more. I believe there has been a positive change in atmosphere as all personnel feel they are working together in their commitment to our students and community. Changes must continue to focus on offering each student the opportunities to develop and grow in knowledge, self-worth, and purpose."

What proposals do you plan to make to solve any problems? 

"The mission statement of Minerva Local Schools is 'Every child. Every minute. Every day.' As a school board member, I am fully supportive of this mission to provide every student with opportunities to learn and develop his or her unique potential. Fulfilling our mission requires the dedication and cooperation of everyone working together. This 'everyone' includes the board, all personnel, parents and community members of our district. Nurturing a climate of collaboration and support has brought our system forward in reaching goals set for improved facilities, student achievement and a positive learning environment while remaining financially stable. But visionary leaders never stop seeking ways to improve. The unique insights and thoughts of all are valuable in solving any problems. Working together is the key to success in any venture and absolutely necessary in ours."

Thomas M. Freeland 

67, of 1855 Whitacre Ave. NE, Minerva

Are you an incumbent or new, and what are your qualifications? 

"I have twice been elected to the Minerva Local Board of Education, currently serving my second term. I serve as the legislative liaison for the board, and I also serve on the board for the R.G. Drage Career Technical Center. I feel that my duty to the schools is to help provide an environment in which our skilled professionals can do their jobs to the best of their abilities, with adequate funding, materials, and facilities. My duty to the community is to ensure that our tax dollars are being well spent to ensure the safety and education of our young people.

"I have an M.S. in genetics and developmental biology from West Virginia University, and a Ph.D. in pharmacology from the WVU School of Medicine. I have about 40 years of experience in higher education, as both a research scientist and a classroom teacher."

What changes do you feel are needed in your school system? 

"Minerva has an excellent school system, as demonstrated by state report cards, the success of our students, and the environment created by our administrators and staff. The current school board has contributed to this outcome. However, I feel that many people are unaware of this excellence.

"For example, if parents choose private schooling or home schooling for their children, I want them to make their choice based on sound reasoning, knowing that their local public schools would be a great option for any student."

What proposals do you plan to make to solve any problems? 

"I want our administrators to be more proactive in this area, getting our excellence out in the public’s awareness, using traditional media outlets and all social media as well. I want everyone to know that Minerva has a school system that we can all be proud of."

 Roger Herstine    

43, 11560 Georgetown St., Louisville

Are you an incumbent or new, and what are your qualifications? 

"I am a new candidate. I have a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education, with five years of teaching experience as an intervention specialist. I have spent the past 13 years at Walsh University as the assistant track and field coach, serving on the Title IX Hearing Board, teaching first-year students, mentoring, participating in campus ministry, and serving on various planning committees.

"I have 20 years working in the Catholic church in religious education of children. I have lived in the Minerva Local School District for the past 16 years and have had five kids in or who have graduate from Minerva Local Schools."

What changes do you feel are needed in your school system? 

"I believe the school district has done a very good job creating a solid, productive school district for students. We need to remember that all changes need to be done in the best interest of the students.

"I do believe that we need to do a review of our board policies to make sure they match our current educational environment. I also believe that we need to do more to provide opportunities and options for our students, particularly at the high school level.

"This would include course offerings, extracurricular activities outside of athletics, and creating an environment that keeps our student body interested, attached, and engaged in our school. Finally, I think we need to be in constant communication with our community members about potential changes happening in school funding at the state level.

"Our board and superintendent’s office have been phenomenal in navigating this in the past to maintain our school district, but we will need our community to be informed of potential changes that could negatively impact our school district so they can help support us in making our needs best known to our state representatives."

What proposals do you plan to make to solve any problems? 

"I think it is important to remember that as school board members, we work in concert with each other to support the superintendent, so our proposals would come from the community and staff and be agreed upon by board members as broad-based issues for the superintendent and administrative staff to look at and act upon.

"With that said, as I stated before, I believe we need to continue to look at our curriculum and course offerings at all levels to make sure they instruct, engage, and prepare our students, whether it be a core or elective course.

"I would also want to make sure that our agreed-upon policies provide our administrators, faculty, and staff with the appropriate resources and training to do the jobs we are asking of them. In addition, I would continue to encourage open communication with our community so that they know the challenges we face and can provide their input so we can make the best decisions for our students.

"Finally, I would sit down with other board members, the superintendent’s office, and administrators to hear and discuss our plan for continuing to find the most qualified faculty and staff in an educational market that lacks new teachers graduating from college."

Tara A. Lawson 

33, 836 S. Grant Blvd., Minerva

Are you an incumbent or new, and what are your qualifications? 

"I am a new candidate running for the Minerva Local Board of Education. I was born and raised in Minerva and have lived here my whole life. I am a 2010 graduate of Minerva High School. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and am currently working as a registered nurse with 11 years of experience.

"Working in the medical field has allowed me to deal with the public on a daily basis. Every day I have to be able to listen to concerns and make informed decisions — all with clear communication. I have also had experience in the classroom as a substitute teacher and nurse at times. I am currently a member of the Minerva Park Board, where we come together as a group and make decisions on what is best for the community’s needs."

What changes do you feel are needed in your school system? 

"I believe Minerva Local Schools has many strengths — dedicated teachers, proud traditions, and a supportive community — but there are always areas where we can grow to better serve every student. We need to strengthen communication and collaboration between the district, families, and staff. Open, clear, and direct decision-making builds trust and ensures everyone’s voice is heard. My goal is to work collaboratively to keep Minerva strong while moving forward together."

What proposals do you plan to make to solve any problems? 

"If elected, I plan to propose an open communication concept. I want teachers, families, and support staff to feel as if they are being heard. This ensures that decisions being made are based on real classroom and community needs and wants, not just assumptions. I feel that parents, teachers, students, and all staff need to feel supported by their local board of education."

Donald J. Spinell 

65, 22838 Mayfair Ave., Minerva

Are you an incumbent or new, and what are your qualifications? 

"Following the passing of longtime Minerva Local Board of Education President Bob Foltz, I applied for the open board seat. I was appointed to serve on the Minerva Local Board of Education, effective November 2025.

"I was fortunate to have a long and rewarding career as an educator for 34 years across five different school districts, spending the final 17 years in Minerva Local. I have served as a teacher, athletic director, and school administrator. With my experience, I am confident in my understanding of the needs and expectations of Minerva Local Schools.

"After retirement, my passion for education led me to continue in roles as a substitute administrator in several districts. I currently serve as the commissioner of the Inter-Valley Athletic Conference. I am a member of the OHSAA East Board of Directors, as well as a founding member of the Minerva Athletic Hall of Fame Committee. I am a highly visible and active member of the Minerva community, attending numerous school and community events, and I am an active member of the Minerva Rotary Club."

What changes do you feel are needed in your school system? 

"Minerva Local is a highly successful district, as our report card has climbed to a four-star rating, an achievement we are very proud of. We have a very dedicated and enthusiastic staff who always put students first. The Minerva Local School community works diligently to meet the needs of all children by living up to the school district’s mission of 'Every child, every minute, every day.'

"My goal is to continue being a good steward of community resources, working closely with the superintendent and school treasurer to ensure a stable financial future and ensure that Minerva continues its proud tradition of being a district of excellence in all areas — academics, athletics, and fine arts.

What proposals do you plan to make to solve any problems? 

"I want to ensure that Minerva Local Schools prioritizes effective communication. We must continue to share our story and advocate for our students. Great school districts and excellent communication are key to building a strong community.

"I am very visible and active in the Minerva community on a daily basis, attending many sporting and school events. I have a great relationship with teachers, staff, administrators, and coaches. Being out in public allows for communication to take place if citizens have concerns.

"I love listening to community members who want to dialogue so I can learn their perspectives and any problems or ideas they may have. Community members may not be aware of the intention behind a decision or the full context of an incident. I can serve as a facilitator for this communication.

"I am confident that my listening skills, experience, and strong passion for Minerva Local Schools and our students make me an asset to the Minerva Local Board of Education."