Bucyrus City schools board of education

board of education members

Mr. Adam Stone
Dr. Paul Johnson, PhD
Mr. Brad Murtiff
Mr. Doug Schiefer
Mrs. Sandy Stone

Mr. Adam Stone

Year first elected: 2012

Why you wanted to get involved?
I decided to get involved because I strongly support the direction that our District is heading, and I want to help facilitate continued movement in that direction. I believe Bucyrus provides its students - all of it students - with the best education and opportunities for advancement than any other other school in the county. 

A long-term issue in the District that is important to you?
A long-term issue that I am concerned about is character education in the context of the strict and rigid standardized teaching model. Schools have a responsibility to not only educate young people in math, science, English, reading, social studies and the arts; but we have a responsibility to work to foster students to become good citizens and compassionate people for the better of this community and any community in which that student may eventually venture.

How can the community support the efforts of the Board and the District?
Community support is a critical link to the success of our students and can, ultimately, be the catalyst that sparks economic growth and self-sufficiency in the community. I believe that education does not end when the student walks out of the classroom or the school-house. It is vitally important that the community creates a network of support in which students can gain practical knowledge and experience, and see first-hand the theoretical knowledge that they are learning in the classroom applied to everyday, real world problems.

Contact Mr. Stone via e-mail at astone@bucyrusschools.org 

Dr. Paul Johnson, PhD

Year first elected: 2008

Why you wanted to get involved?
My wife and I have 5 children. Three have graduated from Bucyrus. All three were successful in college and now are employed in their chosen professions. Two are still in school. I want to make sure that the excellent education my children have received in the past continues for all the children of Bucyrus. Education is key to success in the information based global economy our children must compete in, not sometime in the future, but right now.

A long-term issue in the District that is important to you?
Teaching so kids learn and treating people well. As a board we need to focus on the academic success of our students by employing and developing teachers who have the ability to teach so kids learn.  Just presenting lessons and moving on is no longer an option. We must teach so students demonstrate mastery of the material being taught. The higher the expectations we have for students the higher the level of support we need to offer them.  In the process, all staff, including board members, must treat people well; students, parents, community members, and each other.

How can the community support the efforts of the Board and the District?
As parents we need to be partners with teachers in the education of our children. We need to make sure our children are in school every day and that their homework is complete. We need to impress upon our children that, as hard as it may seem at the time, a good education is key to their success in life. At the same time parents should expect teachers to teach so kids learn. Part of that process is giving students and parents timely specific feedback on classroom performance through homework, tests, quizzes, and conferences. When parents and teachers work together good things happen for kids.As community members we need to have high expectations for our school district. But along with those high expectations we need to offer our support along with our constructive criticisms. We need to remember that the schools do not belong to the teachers, the administrators, or the board. They belong to the community and each community member has a stake in and is responsible for their success. When it comes down to it the best investment our community can make is in teachers that teach so kids learn and treat people well. In return for you investment  you should expect nothing less.

Contact Dr. Johnson via e-mail at pjohnson@bucyrusschools.org

Mr. Brad Murtiff

Year first elected: I was appointed to this position in October, 2012.

Why you wanted to get involved?
When I was asked by Dr. Johnson to consider being appointed, I asked myself that same question.  I feel that the school is the pillar of any community, and being asked to contribute to its effectiveness and success was something that I couldn’t overlook.  Our district is experiencing some difficult and trying times, and being part of a dedicated district-wide team is an exciting challenge.  It is my belief that our community has a responsibility to our school system, and vice versa, and I certainly couldn’t shy away when the opportunity presented itself.

A long-term issue in the District that is important to you? 
The biggest issue I see within in the district is the balance between trying to do what is right and necessary for all students in our district while facing decreasing population and tax base.  The administration and staff are asked to do more with less, and we need to help find that point where we continue to provide the best education for all students in a more efficient, cost effective manner.  In addition, I see the issue of social media as it relates to student interaction being a long-term issue.  Obviously, this technology is a great tool when used properly, but it can also create problems when used improperly.  The lack of direct communication leads to misinterpretation and miscommunication, which can harm relationships and create friction if not utilized in the right manner.

How can the community support the efforts of the Board and the District?
In general, I believe the community supports the Board and the District.  The first aspect of support that is critical is providing parents with open, timely and specific communication.  By providing this communication, and receiving critical feedback, the community, Board and District will all have the same understanding of expectations…of and for students, staff, administration and Board.  The community must realize that we are all in this together, and all have the same goal in mind, and that is the best possible educational experience for all students.  We want them to leave the District being well prepared for life after High School. 

Contact Mr. Murtiff via e-mail at bmurtiff@bucyrusschools.org

Mr. Doug Schiefer

Year first elected:  Nov 2003, member since Jan 2004

Why you wanted to get involved? 
Serving on the School Board was never on my "bucket list".  My decision to get involved came as a result of community members encouraging me to run and having the support of my family.  I guess like any person who decides to get involved in any endeavor, you have to believe that you can make a difference. 

A long-term issue in the District that is important to you? 
Quality education and Quality school facilities.   Our children need and deserve the community's investment in their future.  To me, investment is more than finances.  Investment can also be measured in the giving of one's time as a caring volunteer or mentor.  The community made a financial investment to improve our school facilities.  My continued pledge is to show good stewardship of the community's investment by protecting, maintaining and looking to improve our school facilities.

How can the community support the efforts of the Board and the District? 
I would like to see us improve in the development of having better working relationships together.  Relationships that foster increased community involvement and improved 2-way communication with each other is needed.  An excellent example of this was shown in the development of the School District's 5-year Continuous Improvement Plan.  I welcome and encourage community partnerships of involvement and communication with us.  I think it's essential to have parental and community input and help if our school district is going to improve, make progress and showcase success.  Together we can make this happen.I firmly believe that all kids can learn, achieve and be successful in and out of the classroom.  But for them to do so they need us; the nurturing parents, the caring teachers and school staff, and the community as a whole working together for their good.  If we believe that kids are a community's greatest resource, then their education is the best gift a community can give them.   Our community's future is at stake.  Will we choose wisely?  I choose Bucyrus!

Contact Mr. Scheifer via e-mail at dschiefer@bucyrusschools.org

Mrs. Sandra J. Stone

Year first elected: 1992 (I think??)

Why you wanted to get involved?
I believe that your community is only as strong as their schools. I didn't want to be known as someone who complained but never wanted to get their hands dirty to help!

A long-term issue in the District that is important to you? 
Quality teachers and quality instruction in the classroom.

How can the community support the efforts of the Board and the District?
Parents need to be actively involved in their child's education from start to finish; We always need Mentors and tutors for our kids..I know this sounds cliche
but I so agree with the statement that it does take a village to raise a child.

Contact Mrs. Stone via e-mail at sstone@bucyrusschools.org

BOE Committee Updates

Legal: Mr. Adam Stone

Pioneer: Mrs. Sandy Stone

Student Achievement: Dr. Paul Johnson

Athletics: Dr. Paul Johnson and Mr. Doug Schiefer

Wellness: Mr. Brad Murtiff

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