SALINEVILLE — Four candidates will vie for three open Southern Local school board seats during the November general election.

Voters will pick among incumbents Scott Hart, who did not return a questionnaire for inclusion in this article, or John R. Sawyer; or challengers Jeremiah Cole and Elizabeth Weston.

Jeremiah Cole

Cole, a Southern Local alumni, serves as the fire chief of Highlandtown Volunteer Fire Department and the general manager of Lifeteam EMS.

He also is the chairman of the Columbiana County Local Emergency Planning Committee, representative for the fire services with the county Emergency Management Agency and president of the Columbiana County Fire Chiefs Association.

Though holding various titles countywide, the state Route 39 resident has never sought or attained public office.

“As a father to two Southern Local students, I cannot stand by and watch the school district continue to operate the way that it is without trying to step in and help change things,” Cole explains.

He and his wife Michelle have a son Kolton, 13, and daughter Kori, 10.

“I have sound judgment and communication skills (plus possess the) ability to listen and work well with others to make decisions that are in the best interest of the school district.”

He hopes to bring fresh new leadership to Southern Local and the way that it operates. “All residents should have a voice in how the school is run. Even if they do not have students in the school, the performance of the school affects their property values and is run on their tax dollars,” Cole concludes.

John R. Sawyer

Sawyer, of Steubenville Pike Road in Hammondsville, has served four terms on Southern Local school board.

A longtime public educator, he currently works as an educational consultant in the field of traffic safety education with AAA Driver Training.

With degrees from Geneva College, Kent State University and University of Dayton, he serves as the school board’s Vice President and is retired member of the Highlandtown Volunteer Fire Department.

Sawyer also provides a Teen First Offender intervention class for Columbiana County Juvenile Court.

He believes that his experience working within the public education system can make a positive difference to district families.

“My past experience with developing curricula, assessing teachers and working with students at all threee levels of their path to graduation gives me a better understanding of my role as a board member,” Sawyer explains, adding. “I also am, above all, a “kid advocate” and always have tried to put their need first.”

He believes that two of the district’s biggest accomplishments under his tenure have been: Improvement of the Southern Local school campus – especially the athletic facilities and the establishment of the Utica Shale Academy.

Sawyer and his wife Toni, have two adult children Heather and John Thomas.

Elizabeth Weston

Weston, no address provided, is a physical therapist employed at an outpatient clinic for East Liverpool city Hospital.

She credits her background in health care as aiding in her problem solving, communication and teamwork skills. “Just as I advocate for my patients, I will advocate for students, families and teachers, ensuring their voices are heard and valued in every decision made,” Weston adds.

She decided to seek the seat to encourages continue to grow academically by supporting teachers, engaging families and ensuring students possess the resources needed to succeed.

Weston adds, “I am not here for politics and have no agenda other than doing what is best and right for our students, families and educations. I will listen, collaborate and work to make informed, fair decisions that reflect the values of the entire Southern Local School District.”

She is married to Lance, also a Southern Local graduate. The couple has two children who also attend district schools.