Chapman wants to finish job

SANDUSKY — Jennifer Chapman loves all children. It's the main reason why she decided to run for re-election in November's election. This fall, two seats are opening up on Sandusky Schools' board of education, and she's among four total candidates seeking to claim one of them. In preparation for the upcoming election, the Register has reached out to all Sandusky school board candidates so they can share information about themselves and their reasons for running. Here's what Chapman said: Q: Who are you? What is your professional background/qualifications for this position? JC: My name is Jennifer Wieber-Chapman, and I am a current member of the school board. I have been vice president for two years now. I am currently a board member, mom, grandma and a Blue Streak. I was the president of the Hancock Student Council for over 12 years. I have served on numerous committees throughout (Sandusky Schools). I am also vice president of the Michelle Wightman and Karrie Wieber Charitable Foundation. Q: What is one issue or challenge within your school district, and how do you plan to address it? JC: As with every school district, there are things that need improving. I would probably say my biggest concern is parent and community involvement. We have bright, talented and athletic students in our school district. I struggle with the lack of involvement. Every student is a precious asset to our Blue Streak community. We are that village that helps in raising our students, but I wish that I had an answer to having more positive support with the students and staff. Q: What are the main reasons why you decided to run? JC: Being on the Sandusky Schools board was the next step in my life as an active member of Sandusky. I'm just one member of a family of proud blue streaks. Once my girls graduated, I felt helping our students achieve the best possible education that is possible. I love children, all children. I wanted them to feel supported. I want everyone to feel proud, the way I do when I think of Sandusky Schools. Q: Why should the community vote for you? JC: I have been a member of Sandusky Schools' board of education for four years, and I have enjoyed it. As with most things in life, there is a period of learning and adjustment. There are so many rules and policies that have to be learned, and they are ever-changing. Four years just isn't enough to make adjustments in what we, the school board, has to follow. I am not finished. I have a lot to offer, and I enjoy doing it. My roles in the Wightman Wieber Foundation and Kidsfest Committee show my commitment to the community. To help the community better understand our role in the district, I, with the help of my fellow board members and top-notch staff, created the board handbook. This is publicly available, and I encourage everyone to give it a look so everyone can see what we can and cannot do. School board roundup In Sandusky Schools' school board race, four people are competing for two seats: • There are two incumbents, Jennifer Chapman and Martha Murray, the current board president. • They are against two challengers, Jennifer Ashburn and Talib Garrett. The top two vote-getters win four-year terms starting in January. There are three school board members — Shelisa Johnson, Thomas Patterson and Ebony Sizemore — whose seats are not up for election this term. They will continue their duties on the board until their terms expire in 2027. In-schools debate To learn more about each candidate and the issues important to them and the student body, watch the return of this year's in-schools debate series. Sandusky Schools will host its school board candidates on Oct. 15 at the high school. The debate is closed to the public, but viewers can check in at sanduskyregister.com and the Register's YouTube channel shortly after the event concludes. Questions at these debates come from students in the hosting school district. Community members can also submit questions for candidates ahead of time for the chance for them to be asked. Questions can be emailed to news@sanduskyregister.com. They must address all participants and cannot single out a specific candidate. The in-schools debate series is sponsored by the Greater Sandusky Partnership. Confirmed dates for this year's series: • Edison school board — Sunday, Oct. 12 • Perkins Township trustee — Tuesday, Oct. 14 • Sandusky school board — Wednesday, Oct. 15 • Sandusky city commission — Wednesday, Oct. 22