Four people running for seats on Dover Board of Education
DOVER – Four people seek two seats on the Dover City Schools Education Committee during the November 2nd general election.
Incumbents Steve Mastin and Elizabeth Lauber are challenged by Robert W. Everett and Brian Hanner.
Surname: Robert W. Everett
age: 60
Hometown: Dover, Ohio
family: Married to Tammi (Shore) Everett and we have one grown daughter, Tiffani.
Previous positions filled: Dover Board of Education, 1986-1993
Do you have relatives who work for the district?
No, I have no one.
Why should you be elected to the Education Council by the voters?
I have had a lifelong dedicated public service, along with many community leadership and civic activities. I was previously a member of the Dover Board of Education and have the experience, commitment, and understanding it takes to be a Board of Education member. I have worked in both public and private companies and have certain skills and knowledge of each. I believe the Education Board is elected to oversee the operation of the school district and to ensure that students are getting the best education possible with the tools given.
What is the borough’s biggest problem and what would you do about it?
The effects of the pandemic will no doubt be felt for many years to come. The students’ mental health, emotional stress and trauma that COVID-19 has inflicted on students should be a top priority. The loss of face-to-face teaching and social skills, combined with the psychological effects, has been extremely stressful for many students. I would work with the administration to address the disruption and setbacks the pandemic has caused to students, their families and the school district.
Surname: Brian Hanner
age: 44
Hometown: Dover, Ohio
family: Father of Jacob, a student at Dover High School, and Caroline, an eighth grader at Dover Middle School.
Previous positions filled: This is my first and only candidacy for public office.
Do you have relatives who work for the district? No.
Why should voters elect you to the school board?
Many education agencies across Ohio have modernized to engage their communities in ways that promote transparency and build trust. I believe Dover District, its students and community members would benefit from a board / community engagement that builds trust.
What is the borough’s biggest problem and what would you do about it?
In addition to promoting transparency at the board level, I believe that long-term planning and evaluation tools can improve board decision-making, both in the current term and in positioning our district for the future.
Surname: Elizabeth Lauber
age: 62
Hometown: Pittsburgh PA.
family: Husband, Mike, four daughters, two sons-in-law and six grandchildren.
Previous positions filled: Two terms on the Dover Board of Education.
Do you have relatives who work for the district? no
Why should voters elect you to the school board?
My experience on the board of directors and also as a mother of Dover graduates, my career in service and my education set me apart from the other candidates.
What is the borough’s biggest problem and what would you do about it?
COVID has disrupted life and learning, creating emotional stress and learning gaps. I will support our teachers, counselors and staff in helping our children and families overcome these challenges.
Surname: Steve Mastin
age: 70
Hometown: Dover, Ohio
family: Wife, Becky, daughters Emily and Abby, son-in-law Chris and four grandchildren.
Previous positions filled: Dover City Schools Board of Education.
Do you have relatives who work for the district?
No relatives working for the district.
Why should voters elect you to the school board?
I have 28 years of proven experience. Projects I’ve started and finished include the new high school, hiring soccer coach Dan Ifft, the swim team, and hiring former superintendent Bob Hamm.
What is the borough’s biggest problem and what would you do about it?
The facilities, old and without circulation of heat and cold. Four buildings can reach temperatures of 80-90 degrees for four months a year. We have to convince our constituents of the need / say goodbye to the levy.