Two familiar faces, including a sitting board member and the former Columbus mayor, have applied so far for an upcoming opening on the Columbus Municipal School District Board of Trustees.
Yvonne Cox has applied for reappointment to the seat, while former mayor and former CMSD board member Robert Smith has also applied for the seat.
The city council appoints CMSD trustees, who serve five-year staggered terms — with one seat coming up for reappointment each year.
Cox, a children’s book author, is finishing her first term in the seat and is currently the board president. She is a retired education director and educational consultant for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
In her application, Cox wrote she would like to continue her work with the district, which is “undergoing a period of readjustments,” including the search for a new superintendent and capital improvement projects such as the Hunt campus rebuild. Hunt was badly damaged by a tornado in February 2019, and when it reopens, it will house sixth-graders, adult education and other programs.
“My primary leadership role currently is to maintain internal and external communications efforts with all staff and stakeholders,” Cox wrote in her application. “The primary way to do this is through effective communication in monitoring, overseeing and establishing policies and procedures that will benefit CMSD and supporting the district’s efforts in carrying them out.”
Smith was a teacher, coach and administrator in CMSD and previously served on the board. He was mayor from 2006 to 2021 and served as Ward 1 councilman for five years before that.
In his application, Smith said his experience with CMSD coupled with his roles in the city of Columbus give him “perspective on the needs of both sides.”
“As a lifelong educator, I have the dedication, commitment and experience to work with the other board members in order to make decisions that would enhance the quality of education needed by all students today,” Smith wrote. “… I can bring this experience to the board and help move the district forward. Also, as a former public school parent, teacher and administrator, I know the need to serve as an advocate for students and parents. I currently have grandchildren in the district and therefore, I am a stakeholder with the desire to help CMSD succeed in all areas.”
The current term for the seat expires March 2.
The deadline for candidates to apply is noon Feb. 15. The council is expected to appoint a board member on Feb. 21.
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