Last week, we held our Organizational Meeting and first Board Meeting for the new year.  In addition to celebrating Board Member Appreciation Month, Debbie DiLorenzo and Nathan Reiter officially took the Oath of Office to begin their term alongside John Wilson, Lauren Kawai, and Laura Middleton.

As a resident and leader in Oakwood, I know the Oakwood community values a high-quality education as a vital step to our children's success.  I greatly appreciate our Board Members' contributions to this community through their service on the Board of Education.  Their hard work and attention in setting policies and procedures to govern our school district operation, their focus on our district’s goals and continued work in two-way communication and transparency of funds, and their honor, integrity, and commitment to our students, staff, and parents are all reasons why we celebrate them this month. 

The Ohio School Board Association selected this "Launching Our Next Generation" theme for this recognition month.  This holds a special meaning for us living in the Dayton area, in which we understand the collaboration, teamwork, and perseverance it takes for a successful launch.  To show their appreciation, the Board Members shared their insights into how their professional background and past leadership equipped them to help the school board meet the needs of our District and community:

• Debbie DiLorenzo -  I was motivated to serve on the school board because I have seen the benefits of an Oakwood education through the experiences of my four children who graduated from Oakwood. They are four very different and diverse students who all found what they needed to succeed and thrive in the Oakwood Schools. I would like to continue to support this quality education for future generations of students.
• Lauren Kawai -  As a parent of three children currently in the Oakwood Schools, I am vested in their educational experience and that of their peers. As a longtime resident of Oakwood and a product of the school system (K-12) myself, I appreciate the opportunity to give back to the schools and community that have served me so well.
• Laura Middleton -  My motivation is to serve our students first - to help create an environment in which each student feels valued and cared for so that they can reach their full potential both academically and personally. I am also motivated to serve our district - the teachers, administration, and staff - so they feel supported and empowered to put their talents, abilities, and expertise into action. Finally, I am motivated to serve our community by working to maintain our school district's academic excellence, being a wise steward of resources, and effectively communicating with our community.
• Nathan Reiter -  My family and I moved to Oakwood primarily for the school district's reputation. I am passionate about a strong, high-quality public education - one that is accessible and valuable for all students. As a parent of three kids in the school district, a former educator, and an organizational leader, I am motivated to serve on the Oakwood School Board. I'm excited to support the excellence Oakwood is known for by supporting both the quality of education and the experience of education.
• John Wilson - In my life, I hope my contributions to the world will make it a more just and equitable place for all. Public schools are the foundation of a democratic society and can be a great equalizer toward that end. Serving on the Oakwood School Board is a way to give back to a community that gave my own children an excellent head start in life.

Even though we make a special effort to show our appreciation in January, their contribution is a year-round commitment.  Please thank our Board Members and let them know we support them and appreciate their service to our Oakwood Schools and Community.

#OneOakwood