Name: Ruth A. Brickley
Age: 62
Occupation: Retired Educator – taught in Berea City Schools for 30 years
Education: Ashland College, Baldwin-Wallace College and Cleveland State
Political Affiliation: Republican
(Board members serve the district on a nonpartisan basis)
Office Sought: Board of Education
Previous Political Office Sought or Held: Board of Education Strongsville, served eight years, two terms
Candidate Statement:
Our children are our future. It is our responsibility as a Board of Education to provide a quality education for all students so that when they move on they are prepared to be successful contributing members no matter what their ability level.
Helping to provide a public education for our children is an honor not to be taken lightly. I work hard to be a good board member. I have not missed a meeting during my two terms. I have attended training meetings for board members as well as Capital Conference sessions to keep updated on current trends.
During my 2 terms in office, we have been rated as “EXCELLENT,” an accomplishment which is not to be taken lightly. When I came on the board, it was my goal to continue to provide a high quality academic program for our students in a safe environment for both our students and staff.
Financially our district is experiencing many of the same challenges as others. Our revenue streams are not what they were eight to 10 years ago. Our state continues to mandate programs which are unfunded. Our Treasurer continually updates us as to our financial situation and posts it on our website for all to view. We have no hidden pockets of money or ledgers. I am fully behind this open, transparent communication.
Being fiscally responsible is one of the charges of a school board. By law, we have to balance our budget. To do this we have had to negotiate changes in our contracts with our labor unions and cut programs and staff, when we would like to be expanding the opportunities for our students.
Yes, in many ways, it is a real challenge to be a Board of Education member. I am here for the kids and would be honored to be able to continue to serve.
