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Owensboro Public Schools Board of Education
Editor’s note: Three of the five seats on the OPS board are open this election. Each seat is a nonpartisan elected position. Candidate profiles have been edited only for spelling, grammar and punctuation, and otherwise appear as submitted.
DATE OF BIRTH Feb. 19, 1967
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ADDRESS 2742 Western Parkway, Owensboro, KY 42303
EDUCATION Bachelor of Arts, Western Kentucky University (1991)
OCCUPATION Homemaker
ELECTED OFFICES HELD Owensboro Public Schools Board of Education member (2017-present)
SPOUSE/PARTNER & CHILDREN Husband Tony Decker; children Maddy Decker, Alistair Decker, Lucy Decker, and Reilly Decker (deceased)
MELISSA DECKER
Do you support the decisions made on in-person classes vs. virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic?
After considering the results, and attached comments, of surveys sent to OPS staff and families, and considering input from many other concerned community members, I think honoring Governor Beshear’s request was the right decision.
What do you see as the most important function of the board of education as a whole, and what strengths will you bring individually to enhance the board’s effectiveness?
School boards have legally set powers and duties, but I think our most important function is to listen to the ideas and concerns of all the members of our community and to consider those when making decisions that will best serve our students.
What do you view as the greatest strength and biggest area of weakness in Owensboro Public Schools, and what will you do to enhance or improve upon these areas?
Tradition, innovation and excellence are OPS’ greatest strengths, and I support them. Funding is an issue for any school system, and I will continue to petition our lawmakers to help find solutions for our schools.
What do you view as the role of public education in a community?
To provide children with the education and skills they need to grow into successful adults and become involved citizens of their communities.
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LEIGH RHOADS-DOYLE
Do you support the decisions made on in-person classes vs. virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic?
I believe the board originally made the best decision possible with the information and guidance available. Including a virtual academy option was essential. Online learning isn’t ideal, especially for younger students. Safely opening schools requires creativity and collaboration — skills I could bring to the table.
What do you see as the most important function of the board of education as a whole, and what strengths will you bring individually to enhance the board’s effectiveness?
To provide fiscal accountability and set policies that benefit every student. I will ask tough questions required for financial accountability and to ensure that each student’s needs are equally considered.
What do you view as the greatest strength and biggest area of weakness in Owensboro Public Schools, and what will you do to enhance or improve upon these areas?
Some strengths are fine arts and investment in facilities. Rigor of academics, teacher practicing law has shown me the need to keep improving our schools.
What do you view as the role of public education in a community?
To prepare students to become healthy and productive members of society who can compete in our interconnected world. For additional information, please visit my campaign Facebook page.
DATE OF BIRTH Aug. 17, 1978
development, and mental health resources are areas for improvement. My experience 1562 Oak Park Drive, Owensboro, KY 42301
EDUCATION B.A. double major in political science and religion, magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, Furman University (2000); University of Kentucky School of Law, cum laude (2005)
OCCUPATION Attorney at Rhoads & Rhoads, P.S.C.
ELECTED OFFICES HELD None
SPOUSE/PARTNER & CHILDREN Husband Dustin Doyal; children Lucy, William and Adele
Editor’s note: Three of the five seats on the OPS board are open this election. Each seat is a nonpartisan elected position. Candidate profiles have been edited only for spelling, grammar and punctuation, and otherwise appear as submitted.
DATE OF BIRTH Dec. 30, 1974
ADDRESS 1810 Fieldcrest Drive, Owensboro, KY 42301
EDUCATION Bachelor of Science, University of Kentucky
OCCUPATION financial adviser, Vice President at R.W. Baird
ELECTED OFFICES HELD president, Owensboro Public Schools Board of Education (2017-present)
SPOUSE/PARTNER & CHILDREN Wife Sheryl; children Addison and Haley Grace
JEREMY EDGE
Do you support the decisions made on in-person classes vs. virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic?
I support the board. We solicited opinions from families, staff and students on reopening. It is not an ideal learning situation (and) child care is difficult, so the plan is not without faults. However, it was the best option available.
What do you see as the most important function of the board of education as a whole, and what strengths will you bring individually to enhance the board’s effectiveness?
Being the voice for our families, hiring the superintendent, and being good stewards of taxpayer dollars. My kids are in the system, so I understand how our decisions affect each family. I have been involved with hiring two phenomenal superintendents. Financially, we just lowered the tax rate to (the) lowest it has been in a decade.
What do you view as the greatest strength and biggest area of weakness in Owensboro Public Schools, and what will you do to enhance or improve upon these areas?
Our strengths include arts programing, innovation programs, improvements to facilities and our financial position. We have incredible teachers and principals that work incredibly hard to serve our students’ needs. Our biggest challenge is
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decreased funding from Frankfort. I’ll continue to be a voice for OPS on that front.
What do you view as the role of public education in a community?
Public education is essential to the development of an informed, engaged population. Children have a right to a free, quality public education.
MALLORY LEUCHT
Do you support the decisions made on in-person classes vs. virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic?
The welfare of OPS students and their families should always be at the heart of the board of education’s decision-making process, and I feel like that was true in this instance.
What do you see as the most important function of the board of education as a whole, and what strengths will you bring individually to enhance the board’s effectiveness?
Developing and maintaining a budget that supports the developing of policies that are inclusive. A strength I present is better understanding the needs of nontraditional families.
What do you view as the greatest strength and biggest area of weakness in Owensboro Public Schools, and what will you do to enhance or improve upon these areas?
OPS has wonderful areas of strength, like the fine arts program and experiential learning. As a board member, I would like to focus on policies concerning the districtwide response to bullying, diversity and inclusion programs, and important life skills.
What do you view as the role of public education in a community?
It nurtures our children, allows them to explore ideologies, grow in thought, and helps them begin their journey
DATE OF BIRTH May 21, 1989
into adulthood. It’s a huge responsibility, and it’s important that we do it correctly.
3000 Frederica St., Owensboro, KY 42301
EDUCATION Daviess County High School (2008); Kentucky Wesleyan College (2014)
OCCUPATION Student Financial Aid Specialist, Owensboro Community & Technical College; Resident Director, Kentucky Wesleyan College
ELECTED OFFICES HELD None
SPOUSE/PARTNER & CHILDREN Son Makaio
