News | School Board Election
MEET THE CANDIDATES ISAAC ADI
Isaac Adi immigrated from Nigeria 18 years ago. He holds a Masters in Science from the Colorado Institute of Technical University. He is a managing partner of KGN Petroleum and a member of the Ohio Oil and Gas Association. His three children attended and graduated from Lakota West. “Our school board needs to set the direction that will prepare our students with a history that accurrately tells the story of the American Dream, and the truth about the unlimited opportunities available for our students’ future,” Adi said.
DARBI BODDY
Darbi Boddy has worked in retail management for 17 years. She is a mother of four, whom she pulled from Lakota this year. “I will focus my desire to serve by working with the Superintendent and teachers to provide children an exceptional education,” Boddy said. “As part of one of the first groups to speak up against [critical race theory], I have demonstrated that I am bold, courageous, and someone that can protect our students and stand against the detrimental indoctrination that is negatively impacting the students’ academic achievment.”
KELLY CASPER
Kelly Casper is the current President of the Lakota Board of Education. She is finishing her first term. She has lived in the district for 23 years and has served as the Parent Teacher Association President for several district buildings. “I’m proud of the things that we’ve accomplished in the last four years,” Casper said. “My focus will always be providing the best education that we can for all of our students. I ask for your support every second to continue to keep Lakota strong.”
KARINE CHAUSSE
Karine Chausse is a French-Canadian from outside Montreal, Canada. She became a U.S. citizen in 2014 and now lives in West Chester and has two children. “I’m running for school board to remove political agendas and get back to educating our children,” Chausse said.
22 lakotaeastsparkonline.com October 2021
STANCES
Staff shortages: work with outside hiring agencies and offer incentives. Board Disagreements: the Board policy should come first and members should have clear communication. Critical Race Theory: schools shouldn’t label kids as oppressors or being oppressed. Levies: the district should spend within their budget, only have rainy day funds for emergencies. Open enrollment: Supports only if district is careful not to overcrowd classrooms.
STANCES
Staff shortages: bring in workers from outside the district and offer competitive wages and incentives. Board Disagreements: the Board should hold the Superintendent responsible and find common ground. Critical Race Theory: CRT does not belong in schools and Lakota should focus on academics. Levies: wants to look at reallocating expenses before going to a levy. Open enrollment: while it is a good financial decision, the district should not overcrowd classes.
STANCES
Staff shortages: bring in workers through word-of-mouth and incentivize parents to work in childrens’ schools. Board Disagreements: rely on the Board policy and work alongside not against administrators. Critical Race Theory: CRT does not equate to inclusion. Levies: district should have a sustainable business plan and look to finance for years ahead. Open enrollment: decision is a yearby-year basis that depends on the numbers.
STANCES
Staff shortages: offer incentives for workers. Board Disagreements: emphasize communication and understanding. Critical Race Theory: schools should teach the “Golden Rule” and CRT is divisive. Levies: not opposed to levies if finances improve life for students. Open enrollment: should be considered on a year-to-year basis. Not opposed if Lakota students are prioritized.
