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 Ron Fornaro.

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

Mr. Fornaro: I have had the pleasure of serving on Mayfield’s Board of Education for the past seven and a half years.  In this time, I have served as Vice President for three years and currently in my second year as President.  I am a 1984 graduate of Mayfield and all four of my children attended and graduated from Mayfield.  I want to continue Mayfield’s academic excellence.  We need to continue to keep our schools and technology up to date to help further student learning.

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

Mr. Fornaro: Making sure kids feel safe in school.  Keeping kids in school learning is my motivation.  Making sure that students have many options to choose from when looking at what they may want to do in the future – whether it is college, going straight to the workforce or military options.  Also, the ability to continue to offer the many extracurricular activities and groups that many students want to and need to participate in.

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

Mr. Fornaro: I have seven and a half years of experience on the School Board.  I am the only Mayfield BOE member and candidate that holds a School Business Manager license from the State of Ohio.  With this license, I can be an Assistant Treasurer or Business Manager to run the daily operations, facilitate bids for work to be completed to district properties, conduct bid reviews, and oversee contracts and contractors’ work.  My knowledge and expertise help me understand, as a board member, the inner workings of a school district.

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

Mr. Fornaro: Academically we need to make sure that this past year and a half hasn’t disrupted learning, due to being remote and quarantines.  Any ground we need to make up needs to be done quickly and efficiently.  Our students and staff are getting the job done.  We continue to see record high ACT scores each year.  We are seeing more AP classes and AP tests taken.  Our Curriculum Director does a great job planning out the curriculum for the schools.  I appreciate the time he takes to review important items taken place in the schools.

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

Mr. Fornaro: As I stated in my answer to question #3, I have seven and a half years of experience, experience as President and Vice President.  I am the only candidate and board member that holds a School Business Manager license from the State of Ohio.