This article is part of the 2025 General Election Voters' Guide produced in partnership with the League of Women Voters of the Akron Area.
Cynthia Frola
Nonpartisan
Previous public office: Akron Springfield Schools Board of Education for one term, serving as Vice President and President
Education: BS in Education and Master of Arts in Reading from West Virginia University
Training/experience: Additional course work for post-masters was taken at University of Akron and Kent State University culminating in both principal and superintendent certifications. My experience has included teaching at the college level at WVU, working as a classroom teacher, 20 years as a high school administrator at Akron Springfield High School
Campaign phone: 330-352-2714
Campaign email address: Cynthia.Frola@gmail.com
Why are you the best candidate for the office?
I feel that my experience as an educator and school administrator as well as my current service as a board member provide me with the background, information and understandings needed in making decisions about the work of a board member. I respect and value all involved in the educational process and believe in making decisions based on input from all pertinent sources.
What are the most significant issues facing the school district and what ideas do you have to address these issues?
Springfield has been under state fiscal oversight since October, 2020. This created the need for difficult decisions and adjustments in many areas within the district as we worked toward being removed from oversight. The administration and the board are carefully following a plan to stay within the budget and parameters needed to make wise fiscal decisions. Once we are removed from fiscal oversight, the board and administration will continue to make fiscally responsible decisions as the needs of the students are being met. We have been on the correct path and we just need to stay the course.
What ideas do you have for ensuring safety in your school district?
Student and staff safety must always be our top priority.
Physical safety features are in place in all the buildings. I believe that safety goes beyond locked doors-it’s about creating an environment where every child feels secure, supported, and ready to learn. We do this by providing what our students and staff need to be successful. All staff and students receive instruction and practice in safety drills from both school personnel, police departments and safety services. A positive and supportive culture or climate in the schools is critical to feeling safe in the school.
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’s role is to make every effort to support having the right people in place to make sure our students are getting the best that we can offer. With the successful passage of levies we have been able to add some needed services and classes to better serve the students. Full busing has been restored for all students which should better facilitate timely attendance. Classes and programs in the arts, both vocal and instrumental, as well as the visual and fine arts, have been added at all levels with the hiring of additional teaching staff. These additions provide increased opportunities for a well rounded curriculum. Administration will provide the board with suggestions for future curriculum additions and the board will ensure that dollars are available to pay for them upon approval.
Chad Lance
Nonpartisan
Previous public office: Village of Lakemore Councilman 2012 to 2019 – Springfield School Board of Education 2019-2021
Education: The University of Akron – Bachelors of Science Degree in Accounting
Campaign phone: 330-704-9167
Campaign email address: lance_chad2000@yahoo.com
Why are you the best candidate for the office?
I believe I am the best candidate for the School Board for a couple of reasons. First, I have children in this district so my my investment is personal and deep. Therefore I want all students to succeed in whatever path they choose. While college offers great opportunities, it’s not for everyone, especially with the rising cost of college. Many students would rather enter the workforce right after high school, and trades are an essential part of them doing just that. Every community needs skilled workers like plumbers, electricians, police, fire, and EMS. Our partnership with PLCC, which I also served on their school board for one year, is vital for students pursuing these careers. Second, I’ve already served on the Springfield School Board, so I can hit the ground running with minimal to no learning needed. I’m ready to find ways to save money and restore class offerings lost over the past 6–8 years due to budget cuts.
What are the most significant issues facing the school district and what ideas do you have to address these issues?
Springfield Schools are struggling with declining enrollment and fewer class offerings. To restore excellence, we must secure proper funding, something the State of Ohio continues to withhold, despite court rulings against property tax-based school funding. Public education deserves better. Our community must recognize the value of strong schools while also be willing to help our students in the school district. During my previous board term, I proposed an income tax that would have spared senior citizens and offer a fairer solution than another property tax levy increase. It was rejected, likely due to confusion, not lack of merit. I’m committed to revisiting smart, equitable funding strategies that benefit the entire community.
What ideas do you have for ensuring safety in your school district?
School safety is critical. While metal detectors can help, they should be a last resort. I for one, with complaints from my own children and their friends, believe the removal of cell phones is an important step to safety in our schools. Cell phones are used to record fights, record bullying, perform bullying and in general are a major distraction in our schools. Though some restrictions can be eased, reducing phone use promotes interaction and focus. Students are in school to learn. They are in school to interact with their friends, teachers and other students. When they are all on their phones at lunch or during class you can see the lack of interaction at an all-time high. Another key safety area is traffic around schools. For example, the front of the building is not a designated drop-off zone, yet many cars weave around buses there daily. Speeding in school lots is dangerous as students often walk while distracted by phones, increasing the risk of accidents.
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 ensure that all students, regardless of background or post-graduation goals, have access to a variety of academic and career opportunities. One thing I would love to see expanded at Springfield is access to college-prep classes through the CCP program and AP class offerings. I also believe strengthening our partnership with PLCC to help support our students and the trade programs offered there. I also believe this board of education needs to get more involvement from the community. I am not saying the board will everything suggested or asked for, but to have listening sessions or idea sessions is a good start. Some people don’t have the ambition to be on the board or on a committee because of work/life schedules or are afraid to commit, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have good ideas. A board that welcomes input beyond its members fosters trust, innovation, and stronger outcomes for students.
Amy Campbell
Nonpartisan
(Editor’s note: The candidate did not respond to requests for information.)
Donnie Furlong
Nonpartisan
(Editor’s note: The candidate did not respond to requests for information.)
Kelly Warner
Nonpartisan
(Editor’s note: The candidate did not respond to requests for information.)