CLEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP — Four candidates are running for two seats on the Crestview Local Schools Board of Education.
Incumbent Jessica Tucker and newcomers Douglas Eichelberger, Josh Johnson and Evan Stuart are the names that will appear on the Nov. 4 ballot.
Crestview currently pays board members $80 per each meeting attended, according to Tucker.
Jessica Tucker
Tucker is seeking reelection after serving as a board of education member for the last four years.
She is a data entry clerk for Mansfield Billings LLC and owner of Designed For Life LLC.
“Over the past four years on the Crestview School Board, I’ve seen how commitment and collaboration can move our district forward. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished in that time, and know there are still improvements to be made,” she said.
The 37-year-old noted in the coming years, the district will see “quite a few changes.”
She said those changes include:
- Navigating several potential retirements, including Supt. Jim Grubbs, and ensuring those positions transfer to “strong new leadership.”
- Keeping facilities up to date through building and grounds improvement projects, including updating and modernizing the inside of the buildings and classrooms.
- Negotiating teacher and staff positions.
“My focus will be on keeping things transparent, collaborative, and always centered on what’s best for our students. We want to make sure we retain our amazing educators for the betterment of our district,” Tucker said.
Tucker said her approachability and responsiveness make her the right candidate for the role. As a mother of three Crestview students and one Crestview graduate, she said she has a personal stake in the success and wellbeing of the district.
“My first term gave me valuable hands-on experience and a stronger understanding of how to serve effectively. It’s been a period of real growth, and I’m excited to continue building on that foundation if I’m re-elected,” Tucker said.
Josh Johnson
Johnson is an operations manager at Lumen Technologies and a father to a child in Crestview Schools.
The 38-year-old is a lifelong resident of the Crestview School District.
“I am seeking a position on the school board with a clear purpose: to return the district to the people who live in it,” he said.
Johnson wants to ensure that every voice in the district is heard, meaning teachers, staff, students and parents.
“Over the years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges that have hindered our district’s growth and progress. I believe it’s time for a renewed focus on transparency, accountability, and community-driven decision-making,” Johnson said.
If elected, Johnson plans to prioritize three key issues:
- Addressing staff turnover, which Johnson said is a consistent issue each year. “By fostering a supportive environment and ensuring our staff feel valued and heard, we can strengthen retention, boost morale, and ultimately improve outcomes for our students,” Johnson said.
- Advocating for a more inclusive approach to acknowledging the hard work of students in the College Credit Plus program. Johnson said because CCP classes are not weighted, many of the students miss out on traditional high school awards and recognitions. A weighted CCP class would provide more points to a students overall GPA because of its challenge level.
- Ensuring fiscal responsibility and strong budget oversight. “Our district must invest in the priorities we claim to value. That means aligning our funding decisions with our strategic goals and being transparent and accountable with taxpayer dollars,” he said. In his profession, Johnson said he works every day to solve problems while reducing costs.
Johnson said his commitment to staff advocacy and his “vision for inclusive leadership” differentiate him from his opponents.
“As a lifelong Cougar, I’ve experienced firsthand the lasting impact our teachers can have.
Their dedication shaped my life, and I want every student, staff member and parent to
feel that same sense of connection and support,” Johnson said.
Douglas Eichelberger
Eichelberger graduated from Crestview High School in 1999 and now works as a senior maintenance planner and scheduler at ArcelorMittal in Shelby.
“As a proud graduate of Crestview Local Schools and a lifelong member of this community, I’m running for school board because I want to give back to the district that helped shape who I am today,” he said.
If elected, Eichelberger will focus on
- Facility maintenance and infrastructure planning: “With my background, I can offer valuable oversight and strategic input on maintenance planning, safety, and cost-effective upgrades. I’ll advocate for a proactive maintenance schedule to reduce long-term costs and ensure that all facilities are safe, efficient and welcoming,” he said.
- Fiscal responsibility and transparency: “I’ll work to ensure tax dollars are spent wisely, particularly on capital projects and maintenance needs, by pushing for competitive bidding, efficient use of resources and clear communication with the public about how funds are being used,” he said.
- Community engagement and trust: “Whether it’s concerns about facilities, curriculum or district priorities, I believe transparency and communication are key to rebuilding and maintaining public trust,” he said.
Eichelberger said his professional background in maintenance and building management, his personal connection to Crestview schools and his “common-sense” approach to problem-solving sets him apart from his opponents.
“I’m not a politician; I’m someone who works hard, cares deeply about our schools, and wants to make a difference by contributing what I know to help the district run better, smarter, and stronger,” he said.
Evan Stuart
Stuart is a Crestview High School graduate and marketing and legislative affairs coordinator at the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development.
The 20-year-old is pursuing two bachelor’s degrees in marketing and management and leadership.
“I’m running because I believe our school board should be transparent, accessible, and focused on preparing students for successful futures. I was raised on my family’s generational farm right here in the district, where I learned the value of hard work, communication, and community. I will bring those same values to the board,” Stuart said.
He has served as the Butler Township Representative to the Richland County Republican Central Committee since 2024, and wants to expand his leadership to a school board position.
His top three issues he will address if elected include:
- Transparency and Communication: “I want the community to feel informed and heard. If a resident reaches out to me with a concern, I will provide them with a response, whether positive or negative,” Stuart said.
- Fiscal Responsibility: “I’ll make sure every dollar is spent wisely, focusing on areas that directly benefit classrooms, teachers and student opportunities,” he said.
- Student Success: “I’ll advocate for students’ success in life after graduation, whether that’s college, a trade or the workforce,” he said.
Stuart believes his approachability, commitment to the community needs and fresh perspective as a recent graduate make him the right fit for the position.
If elected, Stuart said he will donate his board pay to the five board-recognized booster organizations, which are Crestview Athletic Boosters, Crestview Educational Foundation, Crestview FFA Alumni, Crestview Music Boosters and Crestview Parents Club.
“Crestview has a strong foundation, and I’m proud of our district’s values. My goal is to build on that by bringing respectful, forward-thinking leadership to the board. I’m farm raised and respect driven, and that’s the mindset I’ll bring to every decision I make,” Stuart said.