Stow-Munroe Falls accepting applications for vacant school board seat

The Stow-Munroe Falls City Schools Board of Education is calling special meetings on Aug. 24, Aug. 25 and Aug. 31 to interview candidates in executive session for its vacant seat created by the resignation of Jessica Wright as president.

The meetings will be held from 6-8 p.m. at the Stow-Munroe Falls City Schools Central Office at 4350 Allen Rd. in Stow.

Vice President Nancy Brown will take over as president Aug. 14, and the board will have 30 days to fill the seat from that point. The term runs through Jan. 1, 2024.

“The four current board members are looking for a hard worker who believes in the value of public education and is committed to serving the greater good of our community,” Brown said. “It’s imperative that the new board member supports the Stow-Munroe Falls City School District’s vision to provide a future-ready, student-centered learning experience for every single child through every facet of a quality public school education, from curriculum to infrastructure to wellness, diversity and inclusion, and everything in between.”

The transition on the board comes as SMF schools are set to begin the 2022-23 school year Monday, Aug. 22. Brown said she expects a smooth start to the school year despite the late shakeup on the school board.

“Our role as board members does not involve day-to-day administration of the schools,” Brown said. “We leave that to the education professionals — our superintendent, principals, teachers and support staff, all of whom are fully prepared and ready to welcome our students back for the 2022-23 school year. I am not at all concerned about the change in the makeup of the board so close to the start of school.”

By the time the vacant seat is filled in mid-September, SMF schools will be less than two months from residents going to the polls Nov. 8 for a key vote on a 10-year, $7.92 million emergency tax levy. If the levy passes, the estimated cost for a homeowner of a $100,000 home will be approximately $242 per year.

“Our new board member must be ready to get to work immediately to build community support to pass our operational levy on the ballot in November,” Brown said.

All letters of interest in the vacancy and completed applications must be received by 4 p.m. Aug. 24. Send to:

Board PresidentStow-Munroe Falls City School District℅ Susan AndersonRoetzel & Andress1375 E. 9th St., 10th Fl.Cleveland, OH 44114

For questions or more information, contact Trevor Gummere at 330-689-5429.