Letters: I am Larry Hoffman and am a write-in candidate for school board

Icon viewers:

My name is Larry Hoffman and I am running as a write-in candidate for the Bluffton School Board.  

In August I became aware of a potential vacancy on the school board, with several friends and family members encouraging me to run for the open position.  

I believe this is a good fit with my experience and background.  I have joined the Ohio School Board Association (OSBA) to learn more about the duties and responsibilities of being a good board member. 

I attended the OSBA training workshop in September to enhance my learning.  In addition to this training, I reached out to current school board members to gain a better understanding of the current issues and what their expectations would be of a new board member. 

 I have also had the opportunity to meet with the Superintendent and Treasurer to gain more insight into Bluffton Schools.

I am providing my background information so that voters can make an informed decision to include me as a write-in candidate on Tuesday, November 5th.  

My wife, Marcy, and I moved here 15 years ago specifically so our children could attend Bluffton Schools.  It has been one of the best decisions we have made for our family.  

We have three children.  Ellie is a junior, Nolan is a freshman, and Ethan is in the sixth grade. I have been a certified public accountant (CPA) for over thirty years and have worked in higher education for more than 18 years.  My current position is CFO for First National Bank in Pandora.  I have been with the bank since 2011.  Prior to that, I worked for Rhodes State College in Lima from 1993 to 2011.  

I have served on several civic and community organizations.  Some of these organizations include Past Treasurer of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Allen County, Treasurer and Past President of Phi Theta Pi International Honorary Business Fraternity of Tiffin Alumni, Past Treasurer of Bluffton Soccer Club, Past Chair of Finance Committee at St. Mary’s Church, and Past President and Treasurer of Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce.  Each organization has provided me with a new learning experience.

It is my firm belief that we should share our time, talent and treasures to improve the world around us.  We should all pay it forward.  I view the opportunity to serve on the Bluffton School Board as my chance to pay it forward to the 1200+ students, their families, and our community.  

Thank you for your consideration.
Larry Hoffman