DANVILLE — School board members play a vital role in a community.
They create the vision and goals for schools in the district and set performance standards. They represent the community’s voice, incorporating the community’s views, values, and desires in public education.
In essence, school board members are education watchdogs, ensuring that children receive a high-quality education and that taxpayers get the most for their dollars.
In the 2023 General Election, residents in the Danville school district will fill three of the five seats on the Danville school board. Ten candidates are vying for the positions.
Knox Pages will moderate a Q&A event with the candidates on Thursday, Oct. 5, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium.
Community members are encouraged to attend. The event will also be live-streamed.
The candidates provided a brief synopsis of their qualifications, what they believe are the top three significant issues the district faces, and how they would address those issues. The information will also be available at the Q&A.
Darrel Severns
Occupation: Planning Director for Knox County and Urban Conservation Specialist for Knox SWCD
Education: DHS grad; Associate Degree in Natural Resources Management
Qualifications for office: DLS District resident for 58 years. BOE member for 16 years, actively involved in the community, have a strong desire to see that the school system operates as efficiently and effectively as possible.
What are the three most significant issues facing the district? What will you do to address them?
•Continuous improvement of the academic standards of the District: will hold administrators accountable for carrying out established vision for the district.
•Continued financial stability of the district: I will work for and encourage passage of the proposed income tax renewal. I will advocate for efficient and effective expenditure of all funding.
•Establishment of a viable plan for the long-term safety, security of/and access to the school campus: I will collaborate with school security staff and administrators to develop policies for safe and secure operation of all district facilities.
James M. Smith
Occupation: Teacher
Education: Danville High School; B.A. in history from The Ohio State University; Post-Bachelor’s Certification for Secondary Education, Denison University
Qualifications for office: Twenty-four years in education as a teacher and a coach. A lifelong member of the Danville community. A strong desire to see young people succeed as well as a commitment to helping my community. Danville Local Schools was a major factor in my life and helped me be successful in my chosen profession. This school district is the heart of our community. I will always approach every issue or situation with the KIDS in mind and do what is best for all kids. I have three nephews who are or will attend school in this district. I want what is best for them and every other child in this community.
What are the three most significant issues facing the district? What will you do to address them?
•The most significant issue facing the district currently is the need to pass the upcoming levy to continue the quality of education being provided by DLS.
•Another significant issue is the need for better communication from the Board of Education to all the shareholders of the district (parents, students, community members and so on).
•Lastly, facilities and how to get the most out of our money is a huge issue. Some of the buildings are very old and we need to be looking ahead to the future. We simply cannot just think what we have always done will work. We as a community must be open to new ideas and potential changes.
Carolyn E. Addair
Occupation: Knox County Career Center, Assistant Treasurer/Accounts Receivable for 18.5 years. Previous experience in Payroll and Personnel, part-time catering.
Education: High School; Business School + 2 years
Qualifications for office: Willing to serve the community – DHS board member for 32 years; Knox County Head Start parent representative and board member for 10 years.
What are the three most significant issues facing the district? What will you do to address them?
•Finances: November 2023 Income Tax Renewal will be on the ballot
•Student success for all: programs to build self-esteem; KCCC Career-Tech, etc.
•Dedicated/quality staff members to support/encourage all students
Chris Colopy
Occupation: Office Manager – Danville Veterinary Clinic
Education: Danville High School -1994. Bachelor of Arts Physical Education; Concentration in Sports Medicine, Denison University -1998. Master of Science Athletic Training, Ohio University -1999
Qualifications for office: I served as a faculty instructor at Urbana University immediately after receiving my master’s and two years later was promoted to assistant professor at Denison University. While at both universities, I served on various committees and helped make departmental and campus-wide decisions. In 2004, I decided to pursue a different career, moved back home, and worked as a substitute teacher at Danville and East Knox. Simultaneously, I began my career at the Danville Veterinary Clinic. I was hired full-time with no previous experience, but my willingness to learn and communication skills were critical to the position. April will mark my 20th year at the clinic.
I take great pride in my listening skills and ability to make rational decisions. I look forward to the healthy debate among board members that will occur regarding the important issues the district faces.
My wife Lindsey and I have two children in the district, and I have been involved with coaching youth sports, PTO, and Athletic Boosters. I also served as a member of the Community Assessment Team in the Spring/Summer of 2022. Currently, I am a volunteer on the levy committee.
What are the three most significant issues facing the district? What will you do to address them?
•Passing the operational levy this November
•Improving communication with community members
•Focusing on teacher and staff retention
Over the years, Danville has been blessed as a district to have wonderful teachers who are native to Danville or who have established a deep connection in the community. I want this tradition to continue. We all should agree the most important component of our school district is the students. The issues mentioned above will directly affect them. I acknowledge there is a tremendous amount to learn, but I am ready to be an advocate for the students, staff, and community to the best of my ability.
Patrick L. Crow, Sr.
Occupation: Semi-Retired; Current – Property and Community Development
Education: Graduate of Danville High School; Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics/Electrical Engineering, The Ohio State University
Qualifications for office: Founder & Officer – Downtown Options Corp., 30 years; Executive Director Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau, 25 years; Project & Construction Manager – Woodward Opera House Restoration, 23 years; Project Manager/Grant Writer/Rehab Specialist – Downtown City of Mount Vernon & Knox County Community Housing Improvement Program; Director – Dan Emmett Music & Arts Festival, 21 years; Mayor of Danville, 12 years; Village Council, 4 years; Lions Club Past District Governor & State Official, 13 years; Adjunct Adult Education Teacher – Electrical Codes & Systems, Knox County Career Center, 5 years
What are the three most significant issues facing the district? What will you do to address them?
•Improve the retention of teachers and staff through competitive salary and benefits development
•Integrate the purposes, resources, and leadership of the Danville Schools to improve the Danville area community
•Create a comprehensive planning process for the Danville Schools that includes all community stakeholders
•Assure that Danville Schools focuses on critical life skills for our students as part of our curriculum development and improvement as it relates to that which the school board can influence and support
Chantele Looney
Occupation: RN – EMR Applications Analyst
Education: Danville High School, 2006; Bachelor of Science of Nursing, Mount Vernon Nazarene University, 2010; Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration, Mount Vernon Nazarene University, 2020
Qualifications for office: I am a graduate of Danville High School. I am an active community member and parent of children in the district. I have taught adjunct for Mount Vernon Nazarene University for 4+ years and held several different leadership positions within my profession.
What are the three most significant issues facing the district? What will you do to address them?
I am running for a seat on the board because I believe that I could be a positive influence in our community. My primary reason and interest in running for this position are the kids in our community. I want to ensure that teachers and kids have the resources needed to be successful. I believe that through transparency, the community, educators, administration & students can work together to continue to provide a high-quality education.
Dawna Stephens
Occupation: Registered Nurse
Education: Danville Local School, Licensed Practical Nurse Program, Knox County Career Center; Associate Degree in Nursing, North Central State College
Qualifications for office: I was born and raised in Danville. My husband Jason and I are raising our three children in Danville, and they attend Danville Schools. I hear firsthand the struggles and issues the youth are facing daily. I’ve attended the school board meetings since November 2020. I feel change needs to be made to help build the future of our town with our youth. I’m motivated to encourage growth, respect, and accountability in our schools. I believe the board needs to have the same mindset and focus on the children and their needs.
What are the three most significant issues facing the district? What will you do to address them?
•Staff: Our school has several long-term staff which is great, but we have lost so many in the past few years. We need to look at the root cause, not just the money.
•Communication: Communication with the children, parents, and stakeholders, especially in this day and age, should be excellent. We have the one-call system, many Facebook groups, a school website, an electronic sign by the administration building, and many team sports apps, yet we fall short time and time again.
•Education: I want to get involved in the academic side of our school. Covid affected everyone and the setbacks our children face at school compounded. While our academics have improved, we continue to encourage sports and other extracurricular activities 100%. We need to get involved and commit to making a difference in our classrooms. Investing in education is investing in our community.
Tanya J. Elliott
Occupation: Clinical Informatics Nurse at Knox Community Hospital with 21 years of experience in the medical field
Education: Danville High School, 2001; Licensed Practical Nurse Program at Knox County Technical Center, 2012; Associate Degree in Nursing, Central Ohio Technical College, 2015; Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Chamberlain University, 2018. I’m still not sure if I am done with my education just yet.
Qualifications for office: I feel I am qualified to run for the Danville School Board because I have been a student, parent, and employee in the district since 1999. I have the willingness to learn new things and work hard to achieve successful outcomes.
What are the three most significant issues facing the district? What will you do to address them?
•Resources for students and staff: We need to provide the things they need to succeed like textbooks, experiences, extra hands on deck, and someone they can confide in when they need help.
•Financial issues: Donating any money I make from being on the board to seniors’ outstanding fees & lunch accounts.
•Bullying: We need to address the issues and stop covering them up. All parties involved need to know and have a sit-down meeting to find resolutions to end the bullying. Find solutions without ignoring the issues at hand.
David Dusthimer
Occupation: Retired business owner
Education: Danville High School,1968; Associate in Arts and Science, University of Cincinnati; Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, dual major in Finance and Management w/ minor in Accounting, Ashland University
Qualifications for office: Current school board vice president and almost 50 years of business and management experience including Dave’s Place, owner; management in computer center, Tandy Corp; account executive, ATT/Ohio Bell.
What are the three most significant issues facing the district? What will you do to address them?
I plan to continue working with the exceptional administration in place and to continue the education experience for all the current and future Danville Local School students.
Joshua K. Byers
No information was provided by this candidate.
