To prepare for the upcoming Nov. 2 election, The Paw Print’s Gabriella Di Lalla conducted email interviews with the seven candidates running for three positions on the Mayfield City Schools Board of Education. The Paw Print has not taken a position in the election and has not endorsed a candidate.

The story below reflects the interview that took place between Gabriella and Jolene Greve.

Gabriella: Why are you running for the Board of Education? If elected, what will be your priorities?

Ms. Greve: This is pretty easy for me!  Running for a seat on the Mayfield Board of Education has been on my radar for a few years, long before a pandemic showed up. I consider running for the Board of Education as an extension of what I’ve already been doing for the last 20 years. I have been deeply entrenched in numerous organizations as a parent volunteer within our school district and my community.  I served the City of Highland Heights for eight years as a member of the Park and Recreation Commission.  I chaired that group for seven years, being in charge of planning all of the city’s children’s holiday parties and making decisions on enhancements to our city park. My involvements serving on the Mayfield Schools Foundation Board, the Mayfield Alumni Association Board, the Mayfield Academic Boosters Club, and the Mayfield Band Boosters Board are just a few of the organizations I have been involved in.  I believe engagement in these organizations has helped provided me with knowledge and experience to help prepare me to serve on the School Board.  As a result of this involvement, I’ve had the opportunity to meet many wonderful parents and students over the years.  I also believe this engagement would serve me well, if elected, in bridging the gap with our parents.   I have had the vantage point of seeing what my efforts and the amazing groups I’ve been involved in do for the students and staff at Mayfield.

Gabriella: Is there a particular issue that motivates you to serve on the Board of Education?

Ms. Greve: I am concerned about the students who may be behind due to the pandemic.  This is the fallout from the pandemic and having students in a remote learning environment.  I am focused on whatever it takes to make sure our students are in a live learning environment, and making sure our school district provides all of the resources necessary to help get these students caught up so they are prepared for the next grade level.

Gabriella: What particular experiences or skills have prepared you to serve as a board member?

Ms. Greve: I mentioned some of these in question number one.  I have had much involvement in the last 20 years.  One of my longest serving volunteer efforts has been the Mayfield Academic Boosters Club.  I have served in this group for the last 11 years, currently serving as the President.  One of my favorite initiatives that our group sponsors are the district wide AVIS awards which stands for ATTITUDES VISIBLE IN SCHOOL.  Students are nominated by their teachers.  It is something for all students, not just the ones that excel in the classroom.  It’s for the student making the extra effort, and trying their hardest to achieve.  It’s an incredible sight to see these students walk across the stage with their parents in the audience beaming with pride.  This is what inspires me!  This is what makes me want to continue the journey and represent our school district as a member of the BOE.  For more information about all of my involvement with the Mayfield schools, please visit my website at www.jolenegreve.com.

Gabriella: What issues do you believe our district needs to address in its academic program and offerings? What changes would you recommend?

Ms. Greve: None at this time…

Gabriella: What differentiates you from the other candidates and/or board members?

Ms. Greve: I have two children who have already graduated from Mayfield.  My youngest son is a senior this year.  I have the vantage point of being a candidate who has been through all four buildings, preschool through high school.  I am familiar with the special needs process and collaborating with our teachers and staff to make sure the academic goals for my kids were achieved.  I believe in public education and a school system which prepares its children for life after high school.  My Mayfield roots run deep and the positive impact my Mayfield education has had on my life is immeasurable.  I have been dedicated in my efforts to give back to the District and to my community.   In 2018, my husband Dan and I were recognized as the Mayfield City Schools Citizens of the Year.  This was an incredible honor, and one that I am extremely proud of.  As a proud Mayfield Alumni from the Class of 1984,  I have been very dedicated in my efforts to give back to Mayfield, and hope to continue on this journey if elected on November 2.