Questions of 2005 Candidates for the Forest Hills School Board

By Nicholas H. Schmelzer

These questions were asked of all candidates by the Forest Hills PTA.

I am not an incumbent candidate for the Forest Hills Board of Education (the "Board"). I have not studied the public record of the Board's past meetings. Therefore, I am not familiar with the primary issues facing the Board. However, I have the judgment, independence, and professionalism to address any of the problems facing the Board. If elected to the Board, I will collaborate with those with the experience to understand the problems, and I would propose or support practical and effective solutions.

2. How do you perceive the current financial situation of the Forest Hills School District?

I am not familiar with the current financial situation of the Forest Hills School District (the "District"). I presume the District is solvent. If elected to the Board, I would apply my financial background to keeping the District in good financial health.

3. How would you position the district to respond to possible cuts in state funding? If you were faced with the decision to make cuts in programs and/or services, on which area(s) would you focus and why?

I do not know what percentage of the District's budget is funded by the state. However, to the extent external factors affecting the District's budget require reductions in programming and services, I would focus on cuts to administrative services and non-academic programs.

4. How do you perceive the roles of the Board of Education and the Administration? What changes and/or improvements are needed in the performance of either group?

The Board is ultimately responsible for the welfare of the District. The Board meets this responsibility by setting District policies and monitoring District performance. The Administration is responsible for recommending policies to the Board, and implementing policies adopted by the Board. I am not familiar with the past relationship between the Board and the Administration. I hope that it has been productive.

5. How do you perceive the relationship between the school district and the greater community? What would you do to enhance the relationships between the district, community organizations and/or the community at large?

The District is part of the greater Cincinnati community. However, the Board is primarily responsible to the citizens of the District.

6. What is your primary concern for the future of the Forest Hills School District?

My primary concern for the future of the District is ensuring that it provides students with a world-class education so they can succeed in the competitive global environment they will face.

7. Please provide a brief autobiographical sketch of yourself, i.e., years of residence in the district, family information, occupation, school involvement, other community involvement, etc.

My wife and four young children live in Anderson Township. We have lived in other cities, and we appreciate the high quality of life available in Anderson Township. I am a CPA and tax attorney with a large company. I have no political experience or agenda. I have no experience or agenda in education. I am professional, independent, objective, open-minded, and results oriented. As a candidate for a position on the Board, I offer to serve my community with my judgment and professional experience.

Thank you for the opportunity to present my qualifications!

Sincerely,

Nicolas Schmelzer