This article is part of the 2025 General Election Voters' Guide produced in partnership with the League of Women Voters of the Akron Area.
Kelly Ameche
Nonpartisan
Campaign email address: Kelly.ameche@gmail.com
Campaign phone: 216-309-1052
Education: Diploma, Twinsburg, High School, Twinsburg, Ohio
Training/experience: Managing Cosmetology License; 16 years experience; Owner, Ameche Salon – 11 years
Website: N/A
Facebook: www.facebook.com/kellyamechefortwinsburgcityschooldistrictboardofeducation
X: Kelly Ameche
Previous public office: N/A
Why are you the best candidate for the office?
I am the best candidate for the Board of Education because I bring a unique blend of experience and dedication to our community. As a local business owner for 11 years, I have strong financial management skills and a proven track record of fiscal responsibility. With 29 years of working with the public, I understand the diverse needs of our families and students. I am also an educator with 16 years of experience in cosmetology, providing hands-on learning for the next generation. As a proud Twinsburg alumna and mother of four children currently in Twinsburg schools, I am deeply invested in our district’s success. I am committed to supporting students, teachers, and families while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources. My leadership, teaching background, community ties, and passion for education make me the ideal choice for the Board of Education.
What are the most significant issues facing the school district and what ideas do you have to address these issues?
Our district faces key challenges: ensuring transparency with parents and guardians about curriculum updates, building strong pathways for students’ future success, managing costs, and raising school performance. I will advocate for open communication on curriculum changes, so families are always informed. I support creating pipeline programs that connect our students with secondary education and career opportunities. To ease financial burdens, I will champion smart fiscal policies to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for families. Finally, I am committed to data-driven strategies that boost our school rankings and help all students excel. Together, we can build a stronger district for every child.
What ideas do you have for ensuring safety in your school district?
To ensure safety, I support partnering with our local police for regular, up-to-date training on school safety, including active shooter response. The district will consistently communicate emergency procedures and reminders to parents and students. We will meet basic needs by offering support services to our learners. I believe strict quality control—staff will report all serious events and near misses for review. Most importantly, I will foster a psychologically safe environment where educators and students feel empowered to speak up about concerns, ensuring every voice is heard and safety is prioritized.
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?
To deliver high-quality education, the Board of Education should actively partner with local businesses and organizations to enhance the curriculum and ensure students gain real-world experiences both inside and outside the classroom. These collaborations help students develop practical skills and better prepare for their futures. It’s also critical to support teachers by providing protected administrative time, allowing them to adapt to state testing changes and lead innovative, problem-based learning. By empowering educators, we help all students succeed.
Rhonda Crawford
Nonpartisan
Campaign email address: rhonda4twinsburgschoolboard@gmail.com
Campaign phone: 216-235-9933
Education: Case Western Reserve University – Weatherhead School of Management MBA, Product Management (Expected Dec 2026) – First Cohort of Product Management MBA, University of Akron B.S., Organizational Supervision A.A., General Studies
Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonda-crawford-854aba368/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070922509825
X: https://x.com/rhonda4schoolbd
Previous public office: I currently serving as the President of the Twinsburg City SD School Board & I was on the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center Board for 2024 as the rotating member.
Why are you the best candidate for the office?
I am the best candidate for the Board of Education because I bring proven leadership, fiscal responsibility, and a student-first focus. As Board President, I have reduced costs, opened Finance and Building & Grounds Committees to community voices, and helped bring in an interim superintendent to strengthen trust and culture. As OSBA Student Liaison, I’ve elevated student voices statewide. As PTA President, I increased membership and secured national grants that provided meals, improved internet safety, and earned Bissell the National School of Excellence Award. With over 20 years in the financial industry and an MBA in progress at Case Western Reserve, I bring strong fiscal insight. I have been an actively involved parent, serving on boards, committees, and boosters, including the CVCC Board. As a mother of three sons in Twinsburg schools and a Twinsburg alum daughter, I remain committed to responsible budgets, strong programs, and opportunities for all students.
What are the most significant issues facing the school district and what ideas do you have to address these issues?
The most significant issues facing our district are finances, academic excellence, and addressing systemic barriers to student success. First, we must continue to manage finances carefully by reducing spending where possible, finding efficiencies, exploring new sources of income to protect programs and long-term stability and advocating on the state level. Second, we must keep raising the bar, pursuing a 5-star rating and ensuring Twinsburg remains a district families want to be part of by giving staff and students the best tools, resources, and support. Third, we must examine and improve systems that unintentionally create gaps in access, so every student has the same opportunity to succeed. By strengthening our financial outlook, striving for excellence, and ensuring fairness across the district, Just as important, the hiring of our next superintendent must be a collaborative process that includes staff, community, and student voices to ensure we select the best leader for Twinsburg.
What ideas do you have for ensuring safety in your school district?
Student and staff safety is always my top priority. I believe in a comprehensive approach that addresses both secure facilities and the well-being of our students. This means continuing to invest in strong building security, emergency preparedness, and close partnerships with local police, fire, and safety forces. Just as important, safety also includes creating supportive environments where students have access to counselors, resources, and trusted adults who can help them thrive. Communication is key, families, staff, and administrators must work together so concerns are identified and addressed quickly. By combining strong security measures with resources that support student well-being and open collaboration across our community, we can maintain schools where students and staff are protected, valued, and able to focus on learning.
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 of Education plays a critical role in ensuring every student has access to a high-quality, meaningful education. Since joining the Board, I helped create the Education Opportunity Committee, which has been working to identify gaps by pulling data and examining where students may not have the same access to programs and resources. With new leadership in place, my focus this year is to ensure the committee moves from analysis to action, developing strategies to close gaps and strengthen supports. This includes providing staff with the tools and resources they need, ensuring students and families are aware of advanced courses and opportunities, and continuing to review systems that may unintentionally limit access. The Board must be proactive, transparent, and collaborative so that every student feels supported and has the opportunity to succeed, both in the classroom and beyond.
Chris Kraska
Nonpartisan
Campaign email address: chrisk4schoolboard@gmail.com
Campaign phone: 216-789-2670
Education: BA, International Relations, Lynchburg College; BA, Anthropology, Cleveland State University, Summa Cum Laude; MEd, Education, Cleveland State University
Training/experience: 25 Years in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District
Website: chrisk4schoolboard.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/krzysztof.kraska.2025/
Previous public office: none
Why are you the best candidate for the office?
I have a unique combination of personal experience, education, and employment experience. I was a gifted student myself and have spent the last 20 years teaching students with various exceptionalities. I have served on building support teams, conducted teacher trainings, evaluated curricula, administered standardized tests, and helped administration improve accountability in many of the schools I worked at. I have worked with, and continue to work with non profit organizations which are training future leaders in ocean science.
What are the most significant issues facing the school district and what ideas do you have to address these issues?
The number one issue facing the Twinsburg School District is the aging facilities. In order to adress the issue of facilities, we need to involve the community in finding a solution that addresses the needs of the schools in a fully transparent manner. The fact that two previous bond issues failed is an indication that a new approach is required. We need to involve all stakeholders in coming up with a workable, affordable solution to issue of aging facilities.
What ideas do you have for ensuring safety in your school district?
Safety is multi-faceted. First and foremost, it involves communication between all parties including administration, students, faulty, and parents. The opposite of communication is secrecy. Secrecy is problematic in that it encourages distrust. If the public at large feels that there is a lack of transparency, communication suffers on all fronts.
Safety includes emergency preparedness, physical security, a positive school climate, violence and bullying prevention, mental health supports, and cyber safety. All of these elements must be incorporated for a school district to truly be safe for all.
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 school board needs to ensure high-quality education by setting high expectations and clear goals, engaging deeply with the community, allocating resources to support teachers and students, developing inclusive policies, fostering a positive school climate, providing high quality professional development for staff, and using data analysis to plan for student achievement.
Merkisha Rush
Nonpartisan
Campaign email address: Merkisharushboe@gmail.com
Campaign phone: 216-800-6375
Education: University of Toledo
Training/experience: 15+ years of professional leadership experience in auditing, governmental compliance, operations, and financial oversight.
Website: https://votemerkisharush.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/share/1B5aq3MqPa/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Why are you the best candidate for the office?
I am the best candidate because I bring a unique balance of professional expertise, proven leadership, and deep community commitment. With over 15 years of financial and operational leadership experience, I know how to ensure accountability, transparency, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Beyond my career, I’ve served as PTA President; fundraised for countless organizations; and continue to volunteer across our schools all while always advocating for students, families, and teachers. I understand both the numbers and the people, and I will lead with integrity, listen to the community, and make decisions that put students first.
What are the most significant issues facing the school district and what ideas do you have to address these issues?
State funding cuts, rebuilding trust and accountability, and improving early literacy.
Funding: With Ohio reducing school funding, we must maximize every local dollar and fight for fair resources by strengthen budgeting, eliminate inefficiencies, and ensure money directly benefits classrooms and student learning.
Trust & Accountability: Families and staff deserve transparency and honest communication from district leadership. I will push for clearer reporting, open dialogue with the community, and decision-making that reflects the voices of parents, teachers, and taxpayers.
Early Literacy: Some of our K–3 students are not reading at grade level. Literacy is the foundation for lifelong learning, and we must invest in proven reading programs, provide teachers with the right tools and training, and partner with families so students build strong skills early.
By addressing these challenges head-on, we can create a stronger, more equitable foundation for every student’s success.
What ideas do you have for ensuring safety in your school district?
Safety is about more than just physical security, it’s also about emotional well-being. I believe in a layered approach to safety:
– Partnering with local law enforcement and emergency services to ensure strong safety protocols and preparedness.
– Investing in mental health resources, counseling, and social-emotional support so students feel seen, supported, and safe.
– Fostering a culture of respect and inclusion, where bullying, harassment, and discrimination are not tolerated.
A safe student is a thriving student, and we must prioritize both their physical and emotional safety.
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 of Education sets the vision for our district, and that vision must be equity-driven, future-focused, and accountable.
– First, we must ensure equity – that every student has the same access to high-quality teachers, programs, and opportunities, regardless of background or circumstance.
– Second, we must be future-focused – aligning our curriculum, technology, and partnerships with the skills students need to thrive in college, careers, and life.
– Finally, we must demand accountability – setting clear goals, monitoring progress, and communicating results openly with the community.
The Board’s responsibility is not just to manage, but to lead. That means creating an environment where teachers are supported, families are engaged, and every student is challenged to reach their full potential.
Lea Travis
Nonpartisan
Campaign email address: leatat@windstream.net
Campaign phone: 330-486-5273
Education: BS Ohio University in Education- HS Social Studies, MA University of Dayton -Curriculum, MA+ University of Dayton – Principal Certification K-12, Superintendent License – Kent State
Training/experience: 42 years in education – HS Social Studies teacher in Shadyside Ohio, Adjunct at Univ. of Dayton, K-8 Principal in Sandusky, Intermediate School Principal with Bedford City Schools, Curriculum Director and Testing/Data for Bedford City Schools, Curriculum Consultant with Educational Service Center of NE Ohio
Website: none at this time
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lea.travis.110263
X: @LeaTravis
Previous public office: Seeking re-election for the Twinsburg Board of Education
Why are you the best candidate for the office?
I am the best candidate for this office because of my education career/background. My entire career has been in K-12 education (plus 2 years at collegiate level) from teacher to principal to central office administrator. I am now a consultant supporting districts by working with student data to guide teachers and administrators to use the data to impact instruction. I work all over NE Ohio and beyond. Twinsburg City School District is an excellent district. I understand the inner-workings of curriculum and instruction and one of my goals is to make certain that we continue to maintain excellent academic standing. My current work also involves being informed of current legislation and school funding. We are moving into a time when board members must be well versed in both school legislation and funding. I am not aligned nor taking any financial support from anyone. I am running to serve the children of this district, their families and the communities that make up our district.
What are the most significant issues facing the school district and what ideas do you have to address these issues?
The most important issue is the search process and confirmation of a new superintendent. The process begins with hiring a search agency to support the board. The board must plan several community engagement sessions with various citizen groups, community organizations, parents and students to build a superintendent profile. Candidates meeting the profile need to be screened, narrowed for first round interviews, narrowed again & possibly a third time narrowing to two choices for final interview. The interviews must include a well balanced representation of the district. The board needs to make the ‘right’ decision which is critical for our district’s future and continued academic success. School finance will continue to be a concern with the funding of vouchers instead of public education. Board members must monitor and speak out for fair funding while carefully monitoring and prioritizing expenses while maintaining quality education for all our students.
What ideas do you have for ensuring safety in your school district?
I believe that, over the past almost four years, we, the Board along with our administration have accomplished several safety measures in our district. We enforced the welcome centers, we added security cameras and enhanced lighting, and have purchased metal detectors and wands. High school students have been issued student ID badges and are required to scan the badge upon entry. Additionally, we now have an SRO officer, all day/every school day, in each building. Our HS has security grades during the school day. We now have hired security staff for evening events. The district has a wonderful relationship with our city’s police and fire departments. We have police presence at most all athletic events. My goal would be to continue to upgrade, as needed and add or replace as new equipment/technology, etc. is introduced and/or needed. Additionally, I have been very pleased with the work that our Business Manager has done in securing grants for many of our security upgrades.
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 I write and submit answers, I already know our district for a second year will be publicly announced as a 5-Star District by the OH Dept of Education and Workforce! This announcement is based on our students’ academic and graduation accomplishments. I know finances will continue to be a challenge but believe that the BOE needs to focus on maintaining the quality curriculum/materials and instructional processes at the highest level. We need to continue to hear our family’s and students’ voices and align course offerings to future higher educ. and employment opportunities. The district currently offers many extra-curricular and athletic opportunities. We have a great PTA, Athletic Boosters and Band/Orchestra/Music Boosters organizations. We must continue to work together offering opportunities for all. We need to continue to support our students with special needs – academic, physical and emotional. This includes programs, staffing, and counseling. Healthy Children can learn!
Mark R. Wesner
Nonpartisan
(Editor’s note: The candidate did not respond to requests for information.)
Joe Revay
Nonpartisan
Campaign email address: Joerevay4tcsd@gmail.com
Campaign phone: 440-289-6122
Training/experience: Union Ironworker — 16 year member
Website: www.joerevay.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/share/19iUAaKnpU/?mibextid=wwXIfr
