JERRY CITY – It is a time of uncertainty and of opportunity for the Elmwood School District.
Unresolved funding solutions at the state level have created a hazy financial forecast, and a significant
component – 14 percent – of the school’s budget pivots on the success of levy renewals. At the same
time, the district brought home an Effective rating on its 2008-2009 state report card and may be poised
for an Excellent designation next school year.
Amid these conditions, six candidates have stepped into the race to help the board run on a tight budget
and still improve the school’s academic performance. Voters will elect two candidates to seats left by
outgoing members Dale David and David Knisely.
The candidates expressed their views recently through telephone interviews with the Sentinel-Tribune and
a questionnaire that appeared in the school district newsletter.
Jeff Chapman, an 1979 Elmwood graduate, decided to run for office because he was concerned about district
spending and a projected deficit down the road. This will be his second attempt at a board seat,
following an unsuccessful campaign for the position two years ago.
According to Chapman, his 25 years of experience as a self-employed businessman have taught him how to
manage finances as well as the value of effective communication and honesty in running a successful
business. Two of his children graduated from the district, and one is a high school freshman.
He plans, if elected, to listen to taxpayers and keep their interests in mind when making decisions on
the board. "Basically I work hard for my money and taxes just like they do."
Chapman, whose wife teaches fifth- and sixth-grade special needs at Elmwood, believes his election to
office would give voters more of a voice on the board. He would also like to continue the district’s
goal to increase student academic achievement.
"I want to go in the direction that best helps the students and gets their test scores up," he
said.
Steve Davis, a 20-year district resident and an automotive instructor at Penta Career Center, believes
the district should hire the best teachers possible and supply them with the tools they need to
adequately prepare students for college and the workforce. His goal is to help the district improve
state test scores and would like to see uniformity and accountability in the school’s mission.
"The overarching things are to get the students better prepared for college and after high school
and to save the district money if I can," said Davis, who is unrelated to current board member
Melanie Davis.
Davis, who also ran last year, is the father of an Elmwood graduate and a junior at the high school. He
is "a very socially and fiscally conservative person" but said he is always willing to listen
to district residents. If elected, he promises to be an independent voice who always votes his
conscience.
Brian King, who served a previous term on the board from 2003 to 2007, would also like to help the
district capitalize on its momentum toward achieving an Excellent score on the state report card. A 1981
graduate, King has 18 years of experience managing a Fortune 500 company and is a veteran of the U.S.
Air Force and Air National Guard.
He wants to the district to commit to a curriculum that prepares students for higher education. And,
according to King, Elmwood should foster an understanding that the academic success every child –
regardless of his or her socio-economic standing, status or any other irrelevant factor – is important
to the district.
King says he is dedicated to fiscal responsibility and believes the district will weather the economic
times through a focus on providing quality education.
"We need to learn how to stretch a dollar for as long as we can stretch it and try to get the most
out of it," he said.
Craig Miller has owned and operated his own company in Wayne for the past seven years. He said his
business experiences – budgeting finances and keeping employees working during a tough economic period –
will help him make sound decisions for the best interest of the school district.
Miller supports the two renewal taxes but remains concerned about district spending. He would also like
to see the board improve communication with residents.
Overall, Miller said, he could offer voters a conservative approach to spending and more accessibility.

The school board works for the taxpayers, he said. "So we need to listen to them and their
concerns."
Cynthia Veryser, a 12-year resident of the district, is the mother of five children who all attend
Elmwood Schools. She was unavailable for an interview but outlined her priorities in the district
questionnaire. Among her goals are: improving communication with parents and staff; hiring an elementary
counselor; starting recycling and tutoring programs to reduce the need for fundraisers; and keeping
district costs down in general.
According to Veryser, who is starting her own home bakery, she has volunteered her time to help Elmwood
teachers in the past and insists that "homework comes first" in her house.
"We need to hear from our staff members more so we can do our best to make everyone love
Elmwood," she stated in the newsletter.
Kevin Ziegler has owned and operated a livestock buying station in the district for 27 years and served
as administrator for the Village of Bloomdale for nearly a decade. He was also previously elected to the
Elmwood Schools board for the 2003-2007 term.
During his time on the board, Ziegler said, he helped set in motion initiatives to improve technology and
saw the consolidation of five schools into one. If elected, he would like "to be able to offer kids
the best education possible and also be sure that we’re solvent with taxpayer dollars."
Ziegler said he would be available to residents’ questions and would make prudent decisions with taxpayer
funds.
"Children everywhere are the future," and the district must ensure they receive a competitive
education, he said.