Yesterday Forest Hills Residents voted in large numbers on a number of important issues; reproductive rights (Issue 1), legalizing marijuana use for adults (Issue 2), Trustee in Anderson (Dee Stone won over Dom Wolfer), the Park Levy and Library Levy, both of which passed. There is a summary from resident and journalist Dan Sewell.
For school board, Wendy Strickler-Biederman and Jason Simmons won over competitors Ken Kuhn, Kevin Comerford and Kris Wahlke.
In an article in the Cincinnati Enquirer by Education journalist Maddie Mitchell this morning, Jason Simmons and Wendy Strickler-Biederman shared their thoughts on the win, and the future. “This win sends a message that our community wants Forest Hills to focus on the true strengths and needs that exist in our schools,” Strickler-Biederman said.
Jason Simmons looks forward to reestablishing trust with the Forest Hills community, “resetting the tone” of the district and reducing the political split in Anderson Township. He said he’s talked with some of the current board members already about how they can work together. “There is more that we agree on than we disagree on,” Simmons said.
Kevin Comerford conceded the race with dignity, and offered congratulations to his opponents on Facebook late on November 7th.
The Forest Hills School District Superintendent sent out this note this morning, announcing the news about the new board members.
Election Turnout and Results by District
Strickler-Biederman won nearly every precinct, with Kuhn winning Newtown B. Kuhn and Comerford tied for the win in Anderson Y, a precinct that runs along 8 Mile Rd and Broadwell, as can be seen on the map in the image provided above.
Turnout was very high across the district, Newtown precincts A & B exceeded 50%, Anderson districts exceeded 60% in nearly every precinct, and for the school district as a whole we saw over 63% turnout. This year’s turnout is compared to prior elections below.
The board members-elect will serve from January 2024 for a 4-year term, through 2028. The next board member election will be held in 2025 for seats currently held by Bob Bibb, Katie Stewart and Sara Jonas.
What Comes Next?
Outgoing board president Linda Hausfeld’s term ends in January. The new board will need to elect a board president, and Superintendent Larry Hook’s contract will run out before 2028. In addition, district finance will always be at the top of the agenda as we continue to see state-wide pressure on public school funding and the state continues to drive funding responsibilities to local districts.
AdvocateFHSD.org will continue to be a presence in the community, encouraging civil discourse and working to inform voters across the district about important issues that impact our schools. We hope the community will continue to engage with us and more importantly, with the district and with each other on these issues. Together we are a strong, vibrant community that supports our students, our district educators, and our neighbors to achieve better outcomes for all.
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