Crescent-News.com - Three seeking two open seats on Patrick Henry school board

HAMLER -- Three individuals are seeking the two open seats on the Patrick Henry Local Schools Board of Education in the 2007 general election.

Voters will decide between incumbents Jerry Spence and Angela Tonjes and Ladina Suber when they cast ballots Nov. 6.

Here is a look at the candidates based on the questionnaires they completed.

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Name: Ladina Suber, 37.

Born: July, 14, 1970 in Findlay.

Family: husband, Jim and sons Robert, 15, and Alex, 11.

Occupation: Registered nurse at Dr. Coates' office in North Baltimore for six years.

Education: Patrick Henry High School graduate; 1991 graduate of Bowling Green Area School of Practical Nursing; 2007 graduate of Excelsior College, New York.

Previous Occupation: licensed practical nurse for 15 years.

Previous political office held: none.

Reason for seeking office: "This is something that I have wanted to do for a long time. I recently received my degree in nursing and now have the opportunity to devote more of my time to Patrick Henry Schools. I have personal experience in dealing with individual education plans and I want to be an advocate for all children, but especially those with special education needs."

Goals: "Establish and maintain a supportive and effective learning environment by retaining high-qualified staff. Strengthen teaching and learning by encouraging professional development. Meet the educational needs and interests of all students by improving staff diversity."

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Name: Jerry Spence, 46.

Address: 1006 Patriot Drive, Deshler.

Born: Sept. 28, 1961 in Lima.

Family: daughter Jamie (Mateo), Toledo; sons, Kollin and Kasey, at home.

Occupation: sales manager of Defiance Rock of Ages Memorials.

Education: 1979 graduate of Patrick Henry High School.

Previous political office held: three terms on Patrick Henry School Board.

Reason for seeking office: "It's been an honor serving on the board of education the last 12 years. I feel it's important for our district to honor our past, focus on today and plan for the future. I enjoy being a part of that process. Our children are the future and helping them to be successful is vital to our future. I'd like to continue working with our district's residents, parents, administration, staff, students and board to help make Patrick Henry Schools the best they can be."

Goals: "1. To continue to provide an exceptional and safe learning environment by providing excellent administration and staff and opportunities. 2. To help our students improve on state report cards at all levels, at all buildings, by promoting a stronger team effort from students, parents, staff and administration. 3. Continue to be fiscally responsible with district's money and keep pushing for state to provide a better way to fund public education."

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Name: Angela Tonjes, 37.

Address: J-770 Ohio 109, Malinta.

Born: April 16, 1970, in Defiance.

Family: husband, Mark; three sons, Zach, 18, Dylan, 15, and Seth, 6.

Occupation: worship coordinator/organist for Emanuel Lutheran Church, Napoleon, since February 2005.

Education: 1988 graduate of Napoleon High School.

Previous Occupation: organist at various local churches since 1984.

Previous political office held: Patrick Henry Local School Board since 2004.

Reason for seeking office: "I received an excellent education as I was growing up and I want to ensure an excellent education for every child in our school district."

Goals: "I will continue to push high academic standards at all grade levels and support our administration and staff in their effort to improve the learning environment of our students. In order to graduate well-education students, I will encourage parents to take a more active role in their child's education. I will be a voice for the children and the families in our district."