Bucyrus City schools board of education
The Bucyrus City School Board meets the fourth Thursday of each month at the Lincoln Administrative Center. Meetings begin at 7 p.m. and are open to the public.
2012 Board of Education Meeting Schedule
The Lincoln Administrative Center is located at:
170 Plymouth Street
Bucyrus, OH 44820
419-562-4045
*Please note, time and dates may be subject to change.
board of education members
Mr. Adam Stone
Dr. Paul Johnson, PhD
Mr. Tony Lipscomb
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
Tony Lipscomb
Year first elected: I was appointed to this position in January, 2002, after board member, Dan Ross resigned to take the Bucyrus City Mayor's Position and completed the rest of his term which ended December 31, 2004. I was re-elected to the position during the General Election in November 2004 for another four year term.
Why you wanted to get involved?
There are several reasons I wanted to be involved in the Board of Education. First of all, I have always been one of the youngest members in the board and felt there really needed to be a young voice on the board. Also, I also knew I had a knack to think outside the box and thought that the experience would be helpful.
A long-term issue in the District that is important to you?
A long term issue that is important to me is the communication between the district and the community and communication issues between the administration and staff. You may have the best district in the world, but when there is no communication, there is no way to get that information out. In the ever changing climate of education, communication is important between administration and staff so that everyone is on the same page.
How can the community support the efforts of the Board and the District?
There are a many ways to help support the efforts of the Board and District. First of all, if there is a problem anywhere in the district or a particular problem, voice that problem to the administration or a board member. We're all here to listen to your concerns and appreciate the community taking the time to address concerns. Secondly, your ideas matter to us. Please continue to give us your ideas of how we can make this district better, and more customized for you. Finally, when you see positives in the district or like a positive move that the board has made, please let us know these too. Too many times, the only time we hear from the community is because there is a problem. If we're doing something right and you appreciate it, then let us know!
Contact Mr. Lipscomb via e-mail at tlipscomb@bucyrusschools.org
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
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. Adam Stone
Important Links
OSBA Link
Technology Spotlight: The 21st Century After School Community Learning Center Grant is a voluntary program for targeted students in third, fourth and fifth grade, who might be struggling with reading and math, the opportunity to learn outside the hours of a typical school day. Read more...
