The December 8 Board of Education meeting was marked by heartfelt tributes to Jennifer Best, who is concluding 24 years of service on the Worthington Schools Board of Education. Board members honored her legacy of advocacy, transparency, and dedication to public education.
To begin, board President Kelli Davis presented Best with a commemorative print featuring Thomas Worthington High School—where Best graduated—showing the building near the start of her board tenure and today. Davis expressed her heartfelt gratitude for Best's impact on the board and on the district.
A Legacy of Expanded Opportunities
Superintendent Dr. Trent Bowers outlined Best's concrete contributions through the lens of the district's four vision statements:
Diverse opportunities: During her tenure, Best voted to create Phoenix Middle School, Worthington Academy, Sutter Park Preschool, Perry Middle School, Worthington Kilbourne High School, the International Baccalaureate program, and All Day Kindergarten.
Safe environments: Best supported creating secure school facilities, visitor check-in procedures, high school safety monitors, and expanded wraparound services including school counseling, nursing, and mental health supports.
Community dialogue: Her work with the Worthington Library, McConnell Arts Center, Chamber of Commerce, and Rotary Club created ongoing channels of two-way communication with the community.
Transparent finances: Best was a staunch advocate for transparent financial reporting, helping create the Treasurer's Advisory Committee and advocating for the popular annual financial report and consistent board meeting scheduling.
By the Numbers
Treasurer TJ Cusick provided a striking statistic to illustrate Best's impact: approximately 27,957 students have attended Worthington schools since January 1, 2002. "Most of those students probably don't know who Jennifer Best is," Cusick acknowledged. "But all of them have had doors opened and world-changing opportunities presented to them because of the leadership decisions made by Jennifer".
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Tributes from Fellow Board Members
Each board member took time to share personal reflections on Best's service:
Stephanie Harless highlighted Best's all-in approach even after more than two decades: "What consistently has impressed me over two years that I've been serving with you is that [even] after 22, then 23, then 24 years, you are all in". She noted Best's quiet advocacy: "What people don't see and what I have so much respect for is that you don't talk about all the things that you do, but we see all the places that you show up."
Nikki Hudson emphasized Best's state-level advocacy: "I don't know that everyone understands in the community how closely tied you are to certain leadership within our state and how you have always taken it upon yourself to make sure those channels of communication were open". She added that education "has been under attack" and Best's advocacy "has benefited not just our district, but education as a whole within Ohio."
Amber Epling-Skinner recalled moving her children to Worthington specifically because of the district Best helped build: "I moved my children to Worthington schools because of basically the work that you've done to make this the school district that it is".
Kelli Davis reflected on Best's commitment to helping board members succeed: "When I was considering running and I met with you at Panera—you came with a packet, like there was a packet of information." That preparation was characteristic of Best's approach to mentorship throughout Davis's four years on the board. "I have appreciated your wisdom and your care for wanting everyone that's here to be the best that we can be, so that we can be the best for this district." Davis added that whenever she faces a tough situation, "I know that I can pick up the phone and call you and you're always responsive."
Best's Response
True to her previous comments about her humble nature, Best kept her remarks brief: "It's been a great 23 of the 24 years because I'm just ignoring 2020," she joked. In her final remarks, she thanked everyone present, saying, "I've enjoyed working with all of you and the past board members and all the administrators that are here".
What Comes Next
Best's seat on the board will be filled by newly elected member Sheena Costa Flowers, who will be sworn in at the January 5, 2026 organizational meeting. Board President Kelli Davis was appointed president pro tem to preside over that meeting.
While stepping away from the board, Best indicated she plans to remain engaged in education advocacy, and board members expressed hope she would continue using her legislative connections for the benefit of public education throughout Ohio.