MANSFIELD — Last school year, Mansfield City Schools educated more than 2,900 students, employed more than 265 educators and had an operating budget of more than $58.5 million.
In November, voters will decide who gets to sit on the majority of the school district’s board.
Three of the school board’s five seats are up for grabs. The five candidates for those seats include incumbents Chris Elswick, Linda Golden and Gary Feagin (as a write-in) and challengers Deena Hamilton and Rebecca Wayman.
Three candidates will be elected to four-year terms beginning January 1, 2026.
How much are school board members paid?
Ohio law allows school board members to be paid $125 per meeting, up to a maximum of $5,000.
Mansfield City Schools pays its board members $125 per meeting with a maximum set at $3,000, according to Treasurer Tammy Hamilla.
School board members are in charge of determining school district policy and providing oversight of district administrators and finances.
“(School board) members are the chief advisers to the superintendent on community attitudes,” according to a guide on the role of school boards by the Ohio School Boards Association.
“Board members do not manage the day-to-day operations of a school district; they see to it that the system is managed well by professional administrators.”
Richland Source asked each of the candidates the same set of questions. A summary of their answers is included below.
Richland Source also invited all five candidates to participate in a Candidate Conversations night on Oct. 15. A video of that conversation is available below.
Chris Elswick
Elswick, 61, is seeking a fifth term on the Mansfield City Schools board of education.
A resident of Chevy Chase Road, Elswick has owned his own small business, Elswick Appliance Repair, for 25 years. He holds a master’s in business administration from Ashland University, where he teaches as an adjunct professor.
“My experience is what separates me from other candidates. My experience with the Board (16 years), my experience in education (35 years) and my experience in business and finance (25 years),” Elswick said.
Elswick said he and his family, including his siblings and children, all graduated from Mansfield Senior High School. His grandson currently attends Mansfield Springmill STEM.
“I have a successful business here and have made a consistent choice to live here. I believe my skill set allows me to assist the school system to be successful,” he said.
“Besides my business education and experience, I have also worked in the finance and insurance industry for 15 years.”
Elswick said the most important issues facing Mansfield City Schools are state and federal funding models threatening public education funds.
“Open enrollment is another poorly-executed program,” he added. “Currently we have been working on cutting expenses, growing our own administrators and teachers and working with the union on a new contract.”
Gary Feagin (Write-In)
Gary Feagin, 69, is seeking re-election to the Mansfield City Schools board of education. He has served on the board since 2016. He is running as a write-in candidate.
Feagin has a bachelor’s degree in business. He has 40 years of experience as a State Farm insurance agent and president of the Gary Feagin Insurance Agency.
“I’m re-running for Mansfield City School board because I love our city schools,” Feagin said. “I truly believe I have a lot to offer the city schools and represent the community and our teachers (and) students.”
Feagin said one of his priorities if elected is to address the district’s financial outlook.
“We will be in deficit spending in the next couple of years if this is not addressed,” said Feagin, a resident of Hollywood Lane.
Feagin said he believes the district has no more cuts to make, but must increase its revenue by attracting students and families back to the district.
“We must improve the academics at the schools. This is currently being done, according to our last report card, but we still have work to do,” he said.
Feagin said another top issue is improving the perception of Mansfield City Schools in the community. He said the district needs to market itself and work with the city government and other community partners.
Lastly, Feagin said he’d like to improve the school system’s career technical education program.
“Doing so could increase revenue and help with our graduation rate, improve our image, and bring more kids back to our schools,” he said.
Feagin said the things that set him apart are an unbiased approach and his four decades in the insurance field.
“I understand health insurance program better than some of my opponents; I have 40 years in the insurance field,” he said.
“I do not have a personal agenda. My only agenda is to see the Mansfield City schools be the best choice in education of your child and let it be understood in the community.”
“I would like the community to know how much I owe the Mansfield City Schools for the successes I’ve had over the years,” he added. “I would also like them to understand we can’t improve with their help.”
Linda Golden
Linda Golden, 65, is seeking re-election to the Mansfield City school board. She ran in 2019 to fill a vacancy on the board and was re-elected in 2021.
Golden spent 17 years as a high school culinary arts instructor, including 13 years at Mansfield Senior High School. She is the owner of Aah Teas concession trailer.
She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Toledo in career technical education.
“I am running to continue the great direction our school is moving,” said Golden, a Muth Road resident.
Golden cited the district’s recent report card from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce as a sign of academic progress, as well as recent facilities investments and a handful of students who earned perfect scores on state assessments.
Golden said one of her top priorities if elected is to be actively involved in union negations for all school staff.
“I will continue to advocate and work with our superintendent, treasurer and board members to provide the best possible contracts for all of our employees,” she said. “Our kids deserve the best teachers, staff and bus drivers we can provide.”
Golden said another priority of hers is to continue expanding the district’s personal learning center model to attract students who have left the district for other area high schools.
“We have some of the very best programs in the Mansfield area with state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories,” she said. “This program provides ‘out-of-the-box, non-traditional school days’ for students who are working, attending college classes, or only need a few credits to graduate.”
Lastly, she hopes to focus on parent and community involvement by continuing to grow the district’s “Peace on My Block” initiative.
Golden said her experience and background in education set her apart from other candidates.
“I was a career technical education teacher in two school districts for 17 years before retiring and have served on multiple district committees including finance, buildings and grounds, insurance and benefits, and athletic council,” she said.
“I have been a volunteer and officer in the Tyger Booster Club for the past 14 years raising money for our students athletes and students.”
Deena Hamilton
Deena Hamilton was born and raised in Mansfield. She graduated from Mansfield Senior High in 1990.
This is her first campaign for elected office.
“I’m running for the Mansfield City Schools Board of Education because I believe every student deserves a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment where they can reach their full potential,” said Hamilton, a 53-year-old Buckeye Avenue resident.
Hamilton works as a case management extender with OhioHealth, where she assists patients and families in navigating their care.
She is also the founder and executive director of Love on a Mission, a nonprofit organization that provides safe spaces and support for LGBTQIA+ youth and families across Richland County.
“This work has given me a strong understanding of the challenges our students face, both inside and outside the classroom,” Hamilton said.
“I’ve built a track record of bringing people together to solve problems with empathy and accountability. I understand how to listen, lead and collaborate: qualities that are essential for serving effectively on a school board. My approach is rooted in partnership, transparency, and respect for all voices.”
Hamilton said her top priorities if elected is strengthening communication between families, educators and the school board.
“Parents and caregivers deserve to feel informed and heard about the decisions that affect their children,” she said.
“I would work to increase transparency by hosting community listening sessions, providing clear updates on board actions and encouraging open dialogue between schools and families.”
Hamilton said another goal is to fosters a climate of inclusion and belonging for all students, regardless of their background or identity.
“When students feel safe and accepted, they are better able to learn and succeed,” she said. “I would advocate for expanded mental health resources, positive behavior supports and programs that celebrate diversity and respect.”
Additionally, Hamilton said ensuring academic excellence and opportunities for all students would be a priority.
“That means supporting our teachers with the resources they need, expanding access to career and college readiness programs and strengthening partnerships with local businesses and organizations,” she said.
“By investing in both academic and life skills development, we prepare our students not just for graduation, but for lifelong success.”
Rebecca Wayman
Rebecca Wayman, 54, works as a case worker with a local mental health organization.
Wayman holds an associate’s degree in human services but is finishing up her bachelor’s degree.
This is her first time running for school board, but she has held public office as a member of the Republican Central Committee.
“I decided to run for Mansfield City School Board because our school system is falling apart and I want to give back to the school that built me,” the Silver Lane resident said.
Wayman said one priority she has if elected is addressing the school district’s reputation and enrollment decline.
“Attendance is dwindling quickly to the charter schools and we need to rebrand the system to attract students back to the city schools,” she said. “Academic excellence needs to be a major focus and improving our state report card is a necessity.”
Wayman also identified financial stability and continuous improvement for students and staff as key issues.
“With the recent changes in our federal school funds, we will need to implement strategic management of available resources and plan long term by managing our costs,” she said.
Wayman said she would plan to generate extra school funding through grants and corporate sponsorships with local businesses, as well as contacting elected officials to request increased school funding.
“I’d like to set up a school improvement plan district wide, with the focus on developing a positive school culture,” she said.
She said it’s important to develop a positive culture in the school system that recognizes staff and encourages students to succeed.
When asked what sets her apart, Wayman cited her personality.
“I assert myself with confidence even when I feel pressured. I refuse to get caught up in games,” she said. “Never afraid to fight for what I feel is right.”