The Bluffton Icon will feature information on the four candidates running for three seats on the Bluffton School Board of Education in the November 2 General Election: Bradley J. Dailey, Mitch Giesige, Roni L. Kaufman and Wesley L. Klinger.
The information is provided by the League of Women Voters of the Lima Area. You can also view the complete PDF Voter Guide for Allen County.
BLUFFTON SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION Term Commences 01/01/2022
Vote for no more than 3
Responsibilities: School Board Members set educational goals and establish policy for the system based upon state laws and community values. Their most important function is to employ a superintendent and treasurer and hold them responsible for managing the school in accordance with the school board’s policies.
Term: 4 years Salary: $100/meeting (Maximum of $1,200)
Candidate: Bradley J. Dailey
Education: The Ohio State University; B.S. Business Administration 2003 Bluffton High School 1998
Q: What is the single most important issue facing your school district and how would you address this issue?
A: The most important issue for Bluffton Schools, as well as most public schools, is finances. Bluffton is currently very fiscally sound. Our administrators and my fellow school board members are proud of this. We strive to find the balance between keeping our expenses low while continuing to offer the best education possible. Increasing our general fund helps us in two ways. First, a strong general fund prepares us for any future economic recession we may be faced with or an abrupt change in state level funding. Second, and very important to our residents, this keeps us from having to ask our voters for more of their funds from tax levies. During my time on the board, we have been able to maintain and improve our facilities, purchase new buses to keep our bus fleet in great shape, and update our networking, security, and lighting systems all while maintaining general fund growth. I will continue to use my voice on the board to see that we keep our school system on the path of excellence.
Q: What specific strengths would you bring to the board table?
A: I have been a member of the Board of Education since November 2019 when I applied, interviewed, and was appointed by the members of the board. When I interviewed, I proudly spoke of the many community and professional positions I have held. I am currently VP and Treasurer of Bluffton Diamond Sports, actively coaching our youth for 10 years; Treasurer, Committee Member, and Leader with Boy Scout Troop 256 and Cub Scouts Pack 256; current Member and past Co-VP of the Music Boosters. Professionally, I am the Asst Manager of Glandorf Feed Co where I am also on the Board of Directors. I held these same positions while employed by my father at Southgate Lanes in Bluffton. Bluffton has been my home my entire life. My wife Jessica and I have three children in Bluffton Schools: Carter (Senior), Caitlin (Senior), and Coby (7th Grade). There is no better feeling than knowing that my children attend and will graduate in the community and school that I love and am so passionate about.
Q: What is your position on Ohio HB322 and HB327, as proposed by the Ohio House, which if passed, will have an impact on K-12 as well as higher educational institutions?
A: Ohio HB322 and HB327 were just recently introduced in the House and even more recently referred to a House Committee. While I am vaguely aware of its contents, it is too new for me to feel comfortable taking a position on. This will be worked through in the House and more than likely have many changes made to it before it would ever reach the Governor’s desk.
Additional information on the November 2 Bluffton ballot will be posted on the Bluffton Icon. See pages 4 and 7 of the LWV Voter Guide for Bluffton council and school board candidates.
