This article is part of the 2025 General Election Voters' Guide produced in partnership with the League of Women Voters of the Akron Area.
Mark Dzurec
Nonpartisan
Education: Bachelors of Arts – Political Science
Website: www.mark4hudson.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/mark4hudson
Campaign phone: 330-730-0451
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Mark4Hudson
Campaign email address: mark4hudson23@gmail.com
Why are you the best candidate for the office?
As a current board member, I work collaboratively as a team member, providing deliberate and intentional governance. Our primary purpose is to propel Hudson students forward in achieving academic success and I am committed to continuing to do this. My professional background in working and building consensus through numerous private and public sectors allows me to make immediate and positive contributions to the Hudson City School District. Additionally, as the parent of a HMS student, I have daily insight into the life of a Hudson student. I will continue to be a voice for students, parents, and community members.
What are the most significant issues facing the school district and what ideas do you have to address these issues?
Issues facing the district include rising costs amid possible funding cuts. We must recognize the funding allocated to public schools needs to be preserved. As we celebrate the ranking of Hudson City Schools, we need to continue to listen to our constituents—our students, along with the adults in their lives—in determining how to contribute to their educational experiences in the most well-rounded way. Not every student is on the same academic or social path. But we are obligated to make sure all of our students feel a sense of belonging and are challenged in positive ways.
What ideas do you have for ensuring safety in your school district?
Since I joined the board, there has been unanimous support in increasing the budget for safety each year. Every year our district prioritizes safety and wellness for our students and staff. There is an ongoing analysis of the safety and wellness metrics for the districts with support for continuous improvement. The reassuring presence of our School Resource Officers (SRO) has made a significant impact on the safety and security for our students and staff. I would like to work to see how we as a district can expand the presence of our SRO team.
What action, if any, do you believe the Board of Education should take to support all students and ensure they are provided with a high-quality, meaningful education?
As a devoted board member, I retain a current pulse on all pertinent issues affecting Hudson City Schools and our students. I am continuously in touch with our administrators and other board members to ensure our students are obtaining an optimal education. While there is discernment and discourse among board members, we are all committed to the students for whom we work. We are civil toward each other and our constituents. I am fully committed to our students
Ryan Patti
Nonpartisan
Training/experience: 20 years in public education / 6 as a HS math teacher / 9 as a HS asst principal / 5 as a HS principal
Education: Ohio University: Bachelor of Science in Mathematics & Minor in Mathematics, Wingate University: Masters in Administration, Kent State: Educational Specialist (EdS)
Website: https://www.bhhs.com/professional-realty-oh301/hudson/ryan-patti/cid-3069235
Previous public office: NA
Campaign phone: 234-380-6170
Facebook: www.facebook.com/real.estate.ryan.25
Campaign email address: ryan.w.patti@gmail.com
Why are you the best candidate for the office?
I bring proven educational leadership and results. As the high school principal at West Geauga, I’ve led my school to #2 in Ohio and #1 in Northeast Ohio according to 2025 Performance Index rankings. This demonstrates my ability to drive systemic improvement and support excellence.
My daily experience gives me firsthand knowledge of challenges facing students, teachers, and administrators. I understand curriculum implementation, staff development, budget constraints, and modern education needs. Unlike candidates with good intentions but lacking current experience, I bring practical knowledge of what works in classrooms today.
As a public education product who has dedicated my career to serving students, I have both passion and expertise to make informed decisions benefiting all Hudson students. My collaborative leadership and data-driven decision making positions me to contribute meaningfully to board governance.
What are the most significant issues facing the school district and what ideas do you have to address these issues?
Hudson faces challenges common across Ohio: maintaining academic excellence while supporting all students, managing budget constraints, and adapting to rapid changes.
Academic Achievement: Expand advanced placement offerings and create pathways for different learning styles, including stronger career-technical education partnerships.
Student Mental Health: Post-pandemic needs have increased. We need expanded counseling services, social-emotional learning integration, and preventive programs building resilience.
Staff Recruitment/Retention: Teacher shortages affect districts statewide. Hudson must remain competitive in compensation while creating supportive environments with adequate planning time and professional development.
Technology Integration: Balance screen time with hands-on learning and ensure digital citizenship education keeps pace with advancement.
What ideas do you have for ensuring safety in your school district?
School safety requires comprehensive, multi-layered approaches beyond just physical security.
Physical Safety Infrastructure: Continued investment in secure building access, updated communication technology, and regular safety audits while maintaining welcoming learning environments.
Mental Health Prevention: Many safety issues stem from students in crisis. Expanding mental health services, training staff to recognize warning signs, and creating systems where students feel comfortable seeking help are crucial preventive measures.
Emergency Preparedness: Regular drills, updated crisis response plans, and strong partnerships with local law enforcement and emergency services.
Positive School Climate: The safest schools are where students feel connected and supported. Anti-bullying programs, peer mediation, and inclusive practices help prevent issues from developing.
What action, if any, do you believe the Board of Education should take to support all students and ensure they are provided with a high-quality, meaningful education?
The Board should focus on key areas ensuring every Hudson student receives an excellent education.
Curriculum and Instruction: Regularly review and update curriculum for rigor, relevance, and college/career readiness. Support teachers with professional development and resources.
Equity and Access: Ensure all students have access to challenging coursework regardless of background or learning differences. Remove barriers to advanced programming.
Resource Allocation: Make strategic budget decisions prioritizing classroom instruction while maintaining essential support services, including competitive staff compensation.
Data-Driven Decisions: Use achievement data and climate surveys to identify improvement areas and measure progress on district goals.
Community Engagement: Maintain transparent communication with parents and community members, providing meaningful input opportunities on district priorities.
Jon C. Peterson
Nonpartisan
Training/experience: Academic and community educator and conductor with 20+ years of leadership in schools, universities, and statewide youth programs; Director of Music Ministries at First Congregational Church of Hudson; Artistic Director of Hudson Community Choruses; Director of the All-Ohio State Fair Youth Choir; Hudson parent of two (10th and 4th grades) and active community volunteer.
Education: Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) from The University of Arizona; Master of Music (M.M.) from Southern Methodist University’s Meadows School of the Arts; Bachelor of Arts from Austin College (Phi Beta Kappa)
Website: www.jcp4hudson.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/jcp4hudson
Previous public office: n/a
Campaign phone: 330-754-7575
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jcp4hudson
Campaign email address: jcp4hudson@icloud.com
Why are you the best candidate for the office?
I bring a unique blend of professional leadership, educational experience, and community commitment. As an educator and choral conductor, I have spent over two decades inspiring learners of all ages to achieve excellence through teamwork, discipline and creativity. As a parent of two Hudson students, I know firsthand the strengths and challenges in our schools. Every student—whether advanced, needing extra support, or part of the broad group between—deserves to be seen, challenged, and celebrated. As an arts educator and parent of an athlete, I also value the lessons and opportunities in Hudson’s rich extracurricular programs. My approach is collaborative: listening first, seeking common ground and keeping students at the center of every decision. While our district’s many successes could tempt us to grow complacent, I will work tirelessly to ensure Hudson remains fiscally responsible, forward-looking, and a gold standard district.
What are the most significant issues facing the school district and what ideas do you have to address these issues?
Hudson schools are strong, but we cannot rest on our laurels. In addition to school safety (see #3), we face challenges in balancing excellence with wide-ranging student needs, ensuring every child thrives—not only those at the highest levels of achievement or those receiving the most intensive support, but also the broad group of students in between. Financial stewardship remains critical, especially as state and federal funding continues to be in flux. We must continue to provide and maintain top-tier facilities and technologies to match the caliber of our teaching and programming. My solution is twofold: clear, consistent and open communication with families and taxpayers coupled with disciplined fiscal planning, transparent budgeting, and proactive pursuit of grants and community partnerships that enhance student learning outcomes and opportunity. Our schools are connected to all aspects of life in Hudson. Our community deserves to understand what the district is doing.
What ideas do you have for ensuring safety in your school district?
Safety begins with creating environments where students feel valued and secure—both physically and emotionally. I support strong partnerships with our School Resource Officers (SROs), who not only protect but also build trust with students, and will work with the City and district to ensure they are placed and used most effectively among our five buildings while exploring the feasibility of adding an additional SRO for the district. We must maintain clear emergency protocols and keep facilities aligned with best practices in security. I support a firm zero-tolerance policy for threats, bullying or inappropriate conduct—physical, verbal or online. Equally important is mental health support and early intervention, ensuring students know they have trusted adults to turn to. By combining vigilance, professional training and a culture of care, we can give families confidence that Hudson schools are safe places to learn—where students feel secure, can focus on their growth, and truly thrive.
What action, if any, do you believe the Board of Education should take to support all students and ensure they are provided with a high-quality, meaningful education?
The key is balance. The Board must champion excellence for every student, not only by setting high standards but by listening to families and students themselves. This is not a community where one approach fits all. Open dialogue builds trust and provides guidance so no one feels overlooked. I will work with colleagues to expand awareness of opportunities for discussion with Board members outside official meetings, such as the established Coffees with the Board. We must provide a broad and balanced curriculum—rigorous academics, competitive athletics, vibrant arts, and vocational pathways—so every child can discover their gifts. Families should be well-informed about these opportunities so they can guide and support their children. Equally, the Board must empower teachers with the resources and support they need to succeed.
Kirstin Toth
Nonpartisan
Training/experience: Most recently I was the Senior Vice President for GAR Foundation, (18 years) the largest private foundation in Summit County. In addition to managing the day-to-day organization, I was in charge of education grantmaking as well as education strategy. This allowed me to learn from Summit County, statewide and national educators about best practices in K-16 education. I supported significant classroom grants for Hudson Schools. Being a grantmaker is not about writing checks. It requires substantial research and understanding about students, data, the context and work undertaken before a grant decision is made, and then becoming immersed in the ongoing work. I became a trusted partner with many educators.
Education: Ed.S. Kent State Univ; MPA Cleveland State Univ; BBA Ohio Univ. Plus, several years of professional certification at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education.
X: N/A
Website: kirstintoth4hudsonschools.com
Previous public office: none
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578301154170
Campaign email address: electkirstintoth@gmail.com
Why are you the best candidate for the office?
I bring the combination of long-time resident, seasoned leader, experience in board governance, and education policy to the role. I have gained this experience through years serving students and families through roles such as the long time Chair of the Board of Summit Education Initiative, dedicated to improving educational opportunities and outcomes for all students throughout Summit County; Board Chair and current member of the Early Childhood Resource Center, dedicated to supporting child care for all families; and, current Board member of United Way Summit-Medina.
I also bring financial skills important for our future; the financial landscape is changing rapidly for our community. School Board members need to be prepared to embrace the changes and be ready to help guide our district leaders to manage in the new complexity.
What are the most significant issues facing the school district and what ideas do you have to address these issues?
Hudson is one of the strongest school districts in the state, and we are fortunate to have our schools as “the jewel in our crown of a community.” In order to maintain this level of excellence, the issue I believe to be significant will be future funding and how the community will need to respond when the time comes. While Hudson renewed a tax levy only two years ago, recent tax code changes may limit our ability to raise funds in traditional ways, such as through typical levies. We will need to be creative and work with a strong community base to consider ways to enhance revenue for our schools.
Communications from the District need to be strengthened, and should include a broader approach to include households that do not have students in school. Our residents consider the schools their gem whether or not they have students currently attending school, so we should be actively communicating with everyone in Hudson.
What ideas do you have for ensuring safety in your school district?
I think promoting “See Something, Say Something” is important among teachers and staff as well as students. I also believe our School Resource Officers are an invaluable resource for educating our community, families and students, as well as in their constant presence in our buildings, and they should be deployed wherever we can. Increasing our partnership with Hudson Police is something to explore.
What action, if any, do you believe the Board of Education should take to support all students and ensure they are provided with a high-quality, meaningful education?
The most important action the BOE can do is to assure that the Superintendent is focused on high-quality staff and performance outcomes. Holding leadership accountable is “job one” for any Board, and it is true for the BOE. High quality is embedded in high performing educators, and we are fortunate to have these in our schools. Assuring this remains our north star is our job as Board members.