But there’s a separate vote for a third seat, with incumbent Jamie Belanger running against challenger Brian Retterer. This race is for the final two years of the term that Charles Anderson was elected to in November 2021, before he stepped down from the board.
Belanger and Retterer answered a series of questions for the Dayton Daily News in their own words via our Voter Guide. The details below come from those answers. The full text they provided is available at www.daytondailynews.com/voter-guide.
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Candidates’ top issues
** Brian Retterer said his top issues are fostering a welcoming environment where every student feels valued and supported, ensuring equal access to the use of technology to enhance individual learning experiences, and implementing effective strategic planning to accommodate a growing student population while ensuring the quality of education remains a top priority.
Retterer said he would work closely with educators, parents, and advocacy groups to ensure every student feels acknowledged and encouraged. To drive education through technology, he said he’d work to secure funding and resources for integrated tech within the curriculum, and collaborate with local tech communities and businesses to create opportunities for mentorship programs. Retterer said responsible fiscal management and attracting top educators would be prioritized to support school growth without jeopardizing educational quality.
Credit: Heather Powell
Credit: Heather Powell
** Incumbent Jamie Belanger said his top issues are continuing successful oversight and execution of the district’s most recent strategic plan, maintaining high academic standards, and creating a culture and climate that engages and motivates students.
Belanger said Springboro schools’ current strategic plan encompasses all of these priorities. He highlighted plans to assure all students graduate ready to achieve the success they desire in life, provide engaging, innovative educational experiences; attract, support, and retain innovative educators and professionals; create a safe environment for students and staff; and effectively invest enough resources to sustain exceptional student success.
Candidate facts, quotes
** Retterer, who is currently a software engineering manager for Okta, listed a variety of organizations he’s been involved with, including as co-founder of district support organization Families of SHS, volunteer for other school-based organizations like the After Prom committee, member of the Springboro Board of Zoning Appeals, and co-chair of the Christmas in Springboro Parade.
“Ultimately, my goal is to serve the community that I care deeply for by actively participating in the decision-making process and advocating for policies that prioritize education, inclusivity, and community growth,” he said. “I aim to make a positive difference in the students, teachers, and staff of Springboro Schools.”
Retterer said his involvement in community and school-related organizations showcases his understanding of and commitment to the district and the job at hand, also noting his dedication to giving voice to others.
“In this race, I emphasize the importance of community engagement and transparency,” he said. “I believe in working together and considering different ideas to make the best decisions for our students and community.”
** Belanger, who is senior director of corporate development for LexisNexis, also serves as finance chair for Southwest Church, along with his role on the school board.
“Having served as a member of the board for the past eight years, including as either president or vice president for five of those years, I’ve helped lead the district through a variety of unique challenges,” he said. “During each of these challenges, I have employed a balanced, objective, agenda-free approach that considers the impact of our decisions on all of our stakeholders, while always trying to do what’s best for our students.”
Belanger said he aims to provide students with the quality of education he would expect for his own children, adding that he feels compelled to serve his community.
“My family and I have made Springboro our home for the last 19 years, and we’ve always tried to find ways to give back to the community that has given us so much.,” he said. “Whether it’s volunteering through our church or at community events like ARTFest, coaching a variety of youth athletic teams, or helping in our children’s classrooms, we’ve made it a priority to use our time and experience to serve our neighbors.”