ONTARIO — Voters in the Ontario Local School District headed to the polls Tuesday in a contested race for the school board, with four candidates running to fill three open seats.
According to unofficial results from the Richland County Board of Elections, Heidi Zimmerman, Todd Friend and Catherine Sapp have been elected.
Friend collected 1,430 votes, Zimmerman received 1,403 votes and Sapp notched 1,158 votes. Kellin Sturts was also on the ballot, earning 836 votes.
The Ontario school board pays members $125 for each meeting, serving four-year terms.
Heidi Zimmerman
“I am grateful for the support of the Ontario voters and will strive to continue to serve the community with integrity and heart,” Zimmerman said.
She added being a part of the Ontario school board is something she loves, noting the diversity and commitment of the group who work well together in serving the school system.
Zimmerman said the first thing on her agenda is attending a school board meeting next Tuesday, where board members will discuss the impact of state and local funding cuts.
She thanked her husband, Brian, and her children, Sam, Ben and Shelby, along with the rest of her family. Zimmerman also thanked those who have given her their vote of confidence.
“Running for any public office is a huge risk,” she said. “I applaud everyone who put themselves out there today.”
“Thank you for caring and being willing to make a positive difference in our communities,” she added.
Zimmerman has served on the Ontario school board since 2016.
Todd Friend
“I am truly humbled and honored to have the community’s trust and support for a third term,” Friend said.
Friend noted while Ontario schools have made great progress over the years, administrators and educators still must work to ensure every student receives support and opportunities.
“I am excited to keep collaborating with my fellow board members, administration, staff members, families and the community,” Friend said. “Building on the progress we have made to make Ontario even stronger than before.
“I will continue to advocate, represent and fight for our children and families,” Friend said. “As we prepare our kids to critically think for themselves and to set them up for success.”
Friend added he will continue to commit his passion, drive and resolve, to never forget why he is so fortunate and blessed to serve on the Ontario school board.
Two of his three previous terms have been as the Board President.
“I hope to continue fostering a community-wide shared vision and building consensus to address complex issues in public education,” he said.
Catherine Sapp
“I am humbled and honored to serve the Ontario school board,” Sapp said. “What was once just an idea is now a reality, and I cannot wait to get to work.”
Sapp is diving in head first as a first-time elected official. She said the first item on her agenda is to learn as much as she can regarding school functions and the goals and challenges they face.
She thanked her husband, who she said has continuously encouraged her to step out of her comfort zone, and the Ontario community for trusting her in the role on the school board.
“I am so proud of the Ontario community and thrilled to be part of the school’s continued success,” she said.
Sapp is a 2004 graduate of Ontario High School.
This is her first time holding an elected office position, but her roots are deep in the Ontario schools.
Sapp previously told Richland Source her great-grandfather, W.C. Cotter, served on the Ontario school board in the 1920s, when it was Springfield Township School at the time.
“My goal is to influence every member of the Ontario community I meet in a positive way. I want everyone to be aware of what our amazing district has to offer,” she said.