The Worthington Area Chamber of Commerce and the League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Columbus hosted a school board candidate forum on September 16, 2025 at the McConnell Arts Center. Four people are running for three open seats on the Worthington City School Board. Below is a top level summary of the forum. The full and original video can be found at this link.
The Candidates
Four candidates participated in the forum, vying for three open school board seats:
- Jennifer Best - campaign website here
- Kelli Davis - campaign website here
- Sheena Costa Flowers - campaign website here
- Nikki Hudson - campaign website here
Note: Mike Boggs was invited to participate but did not respond.
Forum Structure
The forum followed a structured format with:
Candidate Introductions (1 minute each)
- Video Timestamps: 0:16:15 - 0:22:39
Nine Questions (90 seconds per response)
Question 1: Elementary school renovation plans
- Video Timestamps: 0:22:39 - 0:27:35
Question 2: Improving college/career/workforce readiness rankings
- Video Timestamps: 0:27:35 - 0:33:11
Question 3: Incorporating artificial intelligence in schools
- Video Timestamps: 0:33:11 - 0:38:41
Question 4: School safety measures and improvements
- Video Timestamps: 0:38:41 - 0:45:01
Question 5: Opinion on Ohio's state funding model for public schools
- Video Timestamps: 0:45:01 - 0:49:19
Question 6: Demonstrating value to taxpayers without children in district
- Video Timestamps: 0:49:19 - 0:56:09
Question 7: School board role in ensuring inclusive and welcoming environment
- Video Timestamps: 0:56:09 - 1:01:29
Question 8: Addressing early literacy deficits and reading declines
- Video Timestamps: 1:01:29 - 1:08:01
Question 9: Recruiting and retaining diverse teachers and staff
- Video Timestamps: 1:08:01 - 1:14:09
Closing Statements (1 minute each)
- Video Timestamps: 1:14:09 - 1:19:14
The order of responses was rotated for each question to ensure fairness.
Stay connected to what's happening in Worthington, Ohio.
Key Themes Discussed
Future of Facilities: Elementary Schools
The next major district project will focus on renovating or replacing the 11 elementary schools. Following the successful completion of the high school and middle school phases, the process for the elementary facilities will again be community-driven, beginning with the formation of a facilities committee and public discussions within the next year and a half. Candidates agreed this will likely be a multi-phased effort and an opportunity to design innovative learning environments that better support modern educational needs, including literacy and STEM programming.
The Challenge of State School Funding
All candidates identified state funding as one of the district’s greatest challenges. They expressed frustration with the legislature’s failure to fully fund the Fair School Funding Model, which stalled before Phase 3, resulting in the smallest increase to public education funding in a decade. Expanding private-school voucher programs has further strained public-school resources, and proposed property-tax reforms—such as eliminating inside millage—could threaten local financial stability. Candidates urged community members to stay informed and advocate directly with state legislators.
Stay connected to what's happening in Worthington, Ohio.
Embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Candidates unanimously supported embracing AI as an essential tool for future-ready education. The district’s policy now allows AI use unless a teacher explicitly prohibits it. Candidates agreed AI should be taught as a responsible tool for brainstorming and problem-solving rather than a shortcut for assignments. Continued teacher training will be critical as the district navigates differences between K-12 and college policies on AI use.
School Safety and Wellness
The district’s safety strategy rests on three pillars:
- Secure Facilities: Single-entry points, visitor check-in systems, and locked-door protocols.
- Crisis Response: New this year are Centegix alert badges for all staff and hall monitors at the high schools.
- Mental Health Support: Emphasizing that safety extends beyond physical security, candidates highlighted the importance of every student having a trusted adult in the building.
They also stressed the need to balance transparency with confidentiality around sensitive safety details.
Improving College & Career Readiness
To improve the district’s low rating in the new College, Career, Workforce, and Military Readiness category, candidates proposed strengthening partnerships with local businesses, universities, and trade programs. Ideas included destigmatizing vocational paths through programs like DACC, expanding internships via Worthington Enterprise, exploring dual-enrollment options with Columbus State and OSU, and ensuring that the district’s Portrait of a Learner framework translates into measurable readiness outcomes.
Literacy Initiatives
Candidates praised the district’s literacy initiatives, particularly the full adoption of the Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) curriculum in elementary schools after a successful pilot. Based on the “science of reading,” CKLA has been well received for its individualized and inclusive approach, and is now being piloted in middle schools. While roughly three-quarters of young students meet early literacy benchmarks, the district aims to strengthen interventions and Multi-Tier Systems of Support (MTSS) for those still below grade level.
Inclusion and Diversity
All candidates affirmed the board’s responsibility to model a welcoming and inclusive culture. Worthington’s values are already embedded in district goals and policies, and candidates stressed maintaining these commitments despite a challenging political climate and legislative attacks on DEI initiatives. The board’s role, they agreed, is to ensure that inclusive policies translate into daily experiences of belonging for students and families.
Recruitment and Retention of Diverse Staff
Candidates emphasized the importance of expanding teacher-recruitment efforts beyond Ohio, including outreach to HBCUs and other diverse institutions. Equally critical is retention—ensuring that new hires feel supported and connected. Strategies discussed included mentorship programs, support networks, and reestablishing “grow-your-own” pathways like the former Teacher Academy at Kilbourne High School.
Value of Schools to Non-Parent Taxpayers
Candidates underscored that strong schools benefit everyone in the community. Quality schools sustain and increase home values, strengthen civic engagement, and nurture future leaders. Investing in public education, they emphasized, supports both community well-being and the foundation of local democracy.
Additional Resources
- Election Day: Tuesday, November 4, 2025
- Early Voting Starts: October 7, 2025 (in person at Franklin County Board of Elections on Morse Road)
- Worthington's 2025 Election Guide: WorthingtonVotes - Features links to candidate campaigns, forum videos, and upcoming podcast episodes
- League of Women Voters Guide: Available at vote411.org and in hard copy at all Franklin County public libraries (mid-October)
- Franklin County Board of Elections: Contact to verify polling place
About the Hosts
Worthington Area Chamber of Commerce: Serving as a convener of businesses, leaders, and civic leaders since before 1958, the Chamber acts as a collaborator and bridge builder in the community.
League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Columbus: A nonpartisan organization dedicated to expanding public awareness about government issues and encouraging active participation in government. The League does not support or oppose political parties or candidates.
McConnell Arts Center: Worthington's world-class theater and arts center, hosting the forum in their theater space.
*The full and original video can be found at this link.
UPDATE (2025/10/21): The Facebook video is no longer available, so it's now re-hosted on YouTube.