Five candidates vying for three Leetonia BOE seats

By KEVIN HOWELL

Staff Writer

LEETONIA- In the Leetonia school board race on Nov. 3, five candidates will battle for three seats.

4Thomas Eastek, a 1991 Leetonia graduate, is a lifelong resident of the school district.

"I am running for office to bring leadership, planning and trust to the Leetonia schools," he said. "We need to develop pride and school spirit. The Leetonia school is a beautiful campus, and we need to promote the school and open the doors to the public. Bringing community members into the school and getting them involved is the key to a successful school system. We need to have a top notch curriculum and an attractive choice of extracurricular activities in order to have and maintain an expanding open enrollment. A good open enrollment is the basis for expanded activities."

Eastek said he is in favor of the school's levy now that he has seen the efforts being made to be as efficient as possible.

"In the past I have been opposed to the Leetonia school levy; however, after seeing the vast efforts by the teachers and the new superintendent, I am satisfied that the community needs to step up and financially support it," he said. "This levy is an investment into our future. Leetonia has proven that the district can provide a quality education to our children at a lower cost than many other surrounding districts. Keep in mind 'It is all about the kids.'"

As a self-employed business owner for the past 12 years, Eastek said he thinks technology has to be incorporated in the school's curriculum.

"Technology allows us to work more efficiently," he said. "It is not just for the children headed to college, but is used by almost everyone in this day and age. We have to exploit technology and teach the uses and applications in order for our children to be prepared for the rest of their lives."

Noting that his business background has taught him to be flexible, creative and prompt, Eastek said he can bring an edge to the school in these tough economic times.

"In this competitive world, I have to be aggressive in marketing new business, just like a school needs to continually show that they are the best and worthy of the community's trust to educate young minds into future leaders and problem solvers," he said. "I have the ability to understand the broad influences of the world, and have the dedication, caring and compassion to effectively move Leetonia schools to the top of education in our area."

Eastek has been an OHSAA basketball official for 17 years, as well as a youth sports coach for two.

He lives with his wife, Stephanie, and their two children in Franklin Square.

4Incumbent Danny Ferry has been on the board for eight years. A Leetonia graduate, he currently coaches youth football, basketball, baseball and soccer, as well as serves on the Leetonia-Washingtonville Baseball Board.

Ferry cited his school involvement as an asset to helping on the board.

"I feel that my previous experience on the school board, along with being heavily involved in various coaching capacities, I know the school system fairly well, and the students of Leetonia very well," he said. "I have no 'special agenda' other than doing what is best for our children. I always have their best interest in mind."

As an incumbent, Ferry noted several accomplishments attained by the board during his tenure, including planning and opening the current K-12 campus and its athletic facilities to date; implementing the school's reading plan; and saving almost $1 million in cuts to keep the district operating in the black despite projections otherwise.

Ferry, a sales estimator with Rance Industries in Columbiana, lives with his wife, Caroline, and their four children on Chestnut Street in Leetonia.

4Incumbent Antoinette (Toni) Manzetti has served two years on the board after being appointed following then-board President Mike Grunick's death.

A Pennsylvania native, Manzetti taught at Beaver Local for 30 years and has been a substitute teacher at Leetonia for six. She is also an active member of the village community, with activities including Ruritans, Ruriteens sponsor, VFW life-time member, American Legion, Eagles, Revitalization Committee treasurer, St. Vincent DePaul Society, PTO, chamber of commerce, Parks Board Artisan Festival, Friends of the Park and Bike Trail, the Coke Ovens renovation project and various groups at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church.

In the past, Manzetti has been appointed to Who's Who in American Teachers five times, as well as Who's Who in American Business Woman and Women in Education.

As an incumbent, she said her biggest accomplishments have been serving as a board student liaison; assisting with the Ohio Improvement Plan (OIP) project; and helping implement the school's reading plan.

Drawing on her past experience working in education, Manzetti said she hopes to continue serving the Leetonia district.

"My previous experience with the school and community allows me to see how to advance education in our village," she said. "I have a deep devotion for helping children and young adults become independent thinkers and involved citizens."

Manzetti lives on Washington Street in Leetonia.

4Michael Rulli is a Poland Seminary High School graduate and has been the general manager of Rulli Bros. Market for 24 years.

He is currently a second degree knight in the Leetonia Knights of Columbus.

Rulli said his finance background, good people skills and ability to maintain a budget makes him a good candidate for the school board.

He lives with his wife, Kelly, and their two children in Leetonia.

4Incumbent John Rydarowicz has served one term on the school board. He is a former employee of the Leetonia school district, serving in a variety of capacities including chemistry and math teacher, basketball coach, athletic director and high school principal.

Since 2004, Rydarowicz has served as the Leetonia Village Zoning and Housing building commissioner and works in cooperation with the Revitalization Committee to improve the community.

Having worked in education for over 37 years, Rydarowicz, who owns a master's degree in school administration, said he has the wide background to benefit the school board.

"I understand education and feel that I can serve for the best interest of the students of Leetonia," he said.

"I believe in the 'Leetonia Tradition' and will strive to see that it continues to grow. I have been on the board of education for four years and have had to deal with financial difficulties and still maintained a quality educational system."

As an incumbent, Rydarowicz notes as his biggest accomplishments recently hiring Rob Mehno as schools superintendent, who he described as "a community-oriented person who will do what is best for Leetonia;" reducing expenditures in order to prevent a deficit balance while maintaining an excellent educational environment; and maintaining the school's athletic program in the tradition it has always achieved.

Rydarowicz lives with his wife, Roberta, on Washington Street in Leetonia.

Kevin Howell can be reached at khowell@salemnews.net