By Okon Ekpenyong

A teacher in the elementary school for 20 years, Julie Towns puts on the table her service in several leadership committees and community organizations to run for a place in the Reynoldsburg City Schools Board. Julie is a mother of two Reynoldsburg’s students and has lived in Reynoldsburg for 10 years.

School Board

As a parent, teacher, and community member, I chose to run for school board because I want to be a catalyst for change. I understand the importance of collaborating with all stakeholders to create a successful school system and I am invested in providing excellent public education to every child in this community.

Children Education

I have worked with students as an educator for 20 years. I graduated from Ohio Northern with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Development. I then went on to receive a master’s degree from Ohio Dominican University in Curriculum and Instruction. I have also tutored young people in both reading and math for several years as well.

Campaign

My campaign has been a wonderful opportunity to get to know fellow board members and candidates. I have enjoyed speaking with teachers and residents about the needs of this community and our schools. I am honored to have received endorsements from the AFL-CIO, Reynoldsburg Education Association, Reynoldsburg Area Democrats, and the Franklin County Democratic Party. More information on my campaign can be found on my Facebook Page: Julie Towns for Reynoldsburg City Schools.

Bond Issue

The upcoming election includes a bond issue for Reynoldsburg City Schools. “Our District facilities are dictating what we can or cannot offer our students. The capacity limitations and facility maintenance

needs in some of our buildings are guiding decisions for our students instead of our strategic plan.” If the issue passes, Reynoldsburg City Schools will:

• Construct a new Middle School and utilize some historic pieces from the

original Hannah Ashton building.

• Build a new Early Learning Center where the Graham Road building

currently sits;

• Expand full-day kindergarten district-wide;
• Upgrade electrical and technology systems to accommodate modern

Learning;

• Provide flexible learning spaces for today’s educational models; and
• Create a Permanent Improvement (PI) fund to maintain buildings and

facilities in the future.