Schools
Four will Vie for Two Seats on Strongsville School Board
Teachers strike promises to be a campaign issue this fall
The four-way race for two open Strongsville School Board seats pits one incumbent against three political newcomers.
Jennifer Sinisgalli, who was appointed to fill an unexpired term 10 years ago, is seeking a third full term.
The other incumbent up for re-election, Board President David Frazee, isn't running.
Also in the race are George Grozan, David "Duke" Evans and Sujata Emani.
The two-month teachers strike this spring factors into some of the candidates' decisions to seek office.
Grozan, a business owner who serves on the district's Facilities Task Force, was part of the committee that drafted the plan for the district's new middle school.
"I . . . want to finish what I started on the Facilities Task Force," he said. "More focus needs to be put on our buildings, our grounds, and where we're spending our money."
He said a major goal is to move the district past the emotional and divisive strike.
"The strike's over. Let's get on with it," Grozan said. "We need to focus back on the kids, back on excellence."
Evans, a retired Air Force colonel who now works for AT&T, said he is running for the board because he believes that "after the damage done to the schools and the city" by the strike, it's time for new leadership and ideas.
He said in a news release he wants to create a better balance between delivering a first-rate education and the burden on taxpayers.
“The board should operate more like a business, more like a board of directors,” he said. "I understand that many taxpayers are tapped out and tired of levy after levy."
He acknowledged the district's finances are "constrained by contracts," but said leaders need to figure out how to operate more efficiently.
Find out what's happening in Strongsvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Emani, a 2001 graduate of Strongsville High School, said in a Friends of Strongsville Schools video posted on You Tube March 11 that she credits her success to her teachers here.
Sinisgalli said she believes the board needs stability and someone with experience, especially in the wake of the divisive teachers strike.
Find out what's happening in Strongsvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Sinisgalli said the schools have "accomplished so much in the last 10 years.
"I love the district," she said. "I want to see us get back on the path of focusing on our mission."
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.