Reynoldsburg City Schools voters will decide this fall who will shape their school district as five candidates compete for three open seats on the Board of Education in the November general election.
Among the candidates are incumbent board member Kendra R. McKay, who was appointed in July 2024. The other four candidates running are all newcomers.
Board of education members are elected to serve four-year terms. This election comes on the heels of the board of education approving more than $8.3 million in budget cuts in February as the result of a major budget deficit and the fallout of a November 2024 levy failure.
Ohio’s general election is Nov. 4, with polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters also may cast their ballots early through absentee or in-person at the Franklin County Board of Elections, 1700 Morse Road.
The information below was supplied by candidates responding to a questionnaire. The Dispatch only edited responses for length or clarity.
Candidate Devasish Poudyel did not submit responses to the Dispatch questionaire.
Meet the Reynoldsburg City School District Board of Education candidates
Teresa Alabi
Age: 43
Campaign website: @TeresaAlabiforReynoldsburgBoardofEducation (Facebook)
Key issues:
Background: “I have a B.A. from Ohio State University and an M.B.A. from Otterbein University. I have worked in corporate technology for over 15 years, most of it in a project management role.”
Why are you the best candidate? “I am the best candidate because I know our district. I have been an active volunteer for nearly 10 years. I know what our issues are and I am ready to do the work to solve them. I believe in Reynoldsburg City Schools and our students with my whole heart.”
Shana French
Age: 42
Campaign website: elect.shanafrench.com
Key issues:
Background: “I am a stay-at-home mom and have been an active volunteer over the past few years. I was treasurer for my children’s PTO and I served on our district’s DEI Committee. I volunteer at other schools in our district and have attended school board meetings for the last two years. In addition, I am a LEAD Ohio graduate and I served as treasurer for our school’s levy committee when it was on the ballot in November 2024. Currently, I am a caregiver, on two boards of directors for nonprofits in central Ohio, and participating in an internship.”
Why are you the best candidate? “I believe I’m the best candidate because of my strong community connections, established relationships within the school district and deep understanding of our local needs. At the heart of my commitment is a belief that every child, regardless of their background, deserves access to a high-quality public education. That commitment doesn’t change with shifts in state or federal policy.
“Throughout my involvement in various community groups, I’ve worked alongside individuals from diverse backgrounds. What united us was a desire to do something positive for our community. That spirit of collaboration led me to help build a network of parents and concerned adults here in Reynoldsburg who are passionate about doing what’s best for our children. Regardless of the outcome of this election, I remain committed to working with all members of our community, even those with different perspectives.
“Our school district deserves board members who are not only empathetic and caring, but also curious and open-minded. I am ready to start that work and help move our district forward together.”
Tia Harrell-Ramey
Age: 39
Campaign website: votetiaharrell.org
Key issues: “Our schools must prepare kids to be leaders and problem-solvers while creating funding solutions beyond property taxes, ensuring fiscal strength and academic competitiveness.”
Background: “I am a dedicated educator and advocate committed to bridging the gap between resources and marginalized communities. My mission is to ensure that funding and opportunities reach those actively making a difference, turning vision into action. As a graduate with a B.F.A. from the Columbus College of Art and Design, I bring a unique blend of creativity, strategy and communication to my work. I am passionate about facilitating meaningful conversations that empower individuals and organizations to develop the internal dialogue needed for growth. My efforts have been recognized with the Columbus Business First 40 Under 40 Award, reflecting my drive to create lasting impact.”
Why are you the best candidate? “As a mother with a child in the district, I understand firsthand the importance of ensuring our schools provide the best possible education and environment for students. My concern is both personal and professional — I want my child, and every child, to have access to opportunities that prepare them not only to succeed academically but to lead in life. I believe parents have a responsibility to engage, bring forward solutions and help strengthen our schools.
“I bring years of experience in communications, outreach and strategy that I know can benefit the district. I have developed systems and messaging frameworks that help organizations solve problems, build trust and bring communities together. I believe those same skills can be applied here to improve transparency, strengthen relationships between parents and schools and ensure students are supported from every angle.
“I have solutions and ideas to help our district think outside the box when it comes to funding, programs and leadership development. Our children cannot afford for education to remain stagnant — we must be proactive, innovative and united. My commitment as both a parent and a professional is to use my skills, voice and vision to help move our schools forward.”
Kendra R. McKay
Age: 49
Campaign website: Kendra McKay for Reynoldsburg City Schools (Facebook)
Key issues:
Background: “I am a current board member, appointed in July 2024. I have lived in Reynoldsburg since 2007 and my two children have attended Reynoldsburg. I have always been involved in my kids’ schools by volunteering and through PTO. I was also the Band Booster President prior to joining the BOE.”
Why are you the best candidate? “During my time on the board, we had to cut $8.3 million from our budget due to a failed levy. I have the experience necessary for the role.”
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Five candidates vying for three seats on Reynoldsburg board of education
Reporting by Sheridan Hendrix, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
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