VOTE FOR
ALEX BROWN
FOR WESTLAKE
BOARD OF EDUCATION
A Parent's Voice, A Community's Advocate.
ABOUT ME
I have worked as a pharmacist with Discount Drug Mart for 9 years, most recently in Wellington though I previously worked at the North Olmsted location up until a year and half ago. As a father of 3 kids ranging from kindergarten to 10th grade, as well as our family being residents of Westlake for 10 years, I am completely invested in maintaining an excellent school district and keeping Westlake a desirable place to live.
A STRONG HISTORY
Our oldest child will be a junior in Fall of 2025, and has had an overall great school experience. From when the school district helped us get her started at Hilliard Elementary in Kindergarten to attend with her sister despite being districted to go to Bassett, all the way to travelling to New York City with the high school choirs as a sophomore, we have trusted and worked with our schools and are very proud of who she has become. Her teachers have demonstrated integrity and sincerity, and she has learned so much going through the district.
AN EMPOWERING COMMUNITY
We have been incredibly impressed year after year after year with the determination, resilience, and excellence of the teachers and aides in the special education program as well as the kindness of the staff, school nurses, principals, and community in Westlake. Every time we are worried about a new teacher, a new school, a new change to the IEP plan, or one of the many other worries that come up when entrusting your child in a different environment, our concerns are quickly put to rest. We truly feel privileged to have such a strong team in our schools guiding our child's growth.
A BRIGHT FUTURE
Our kindergartner is just getting started, but he enjoys school so much and has come a long way in the last year at WES. If elected to the school board, I will do everything I can to ensure that he, along with every other child in our schools, has the same opportunities and positive experience that his sisters had. I will try to give the same peace of mind to all other parents that we have- we are able to trust in our school system to educate and guide or children as they grow into young adults. Lastly, I promise to continue serving all residents of Westlake by keeping our schools to a high standard in education and in responsible spending.
THE MAJOR CHALLENGES FACING WESTLAKE
​ Westlake has a history of being fiscally responsible, this is thoroughly and clearly addressed in the Parent Square message from Dr. Goggin which can be found HERE. I also would encourage looking at page 3 of the most recent issue of Behind the W which discusses our school finances, which can be found HERE. The current Ohio House budget is pushing what they are calling "property tax reform"- a one time penalty on schools that will deplete any saved budget over 30%. The money would go back to us as tax payers, but it would not be a significant amount per average household. This would also drastically change the financial forecast of our schools.
As of now, we are financially sound for at least the next three years. If the Senate budget also includes a carryover cap, then the finance committees meet and include it, the budget would go to a final vote without any further amendments. Finally, it goes to Governor DeWine for final approval line by line. If passed, it could force Westlake to face a levy much sooner. We have made it 19 years without an operating levy, it would be very unfair if we are pushed to levy sooner because of being penalized by legislation for responsible sending.
WHAT WE CAN DO
Help protect Westlake’s schools. Spread awareness of this issue on social media, to your friends and family, and anyone else in Ohio that cares about our schools. Contact our state legislators and ask them to oppose this harmful budget provision. Your support can make a difference.
Senator Rob McColley, Senate President:
Senate Building: 1 Capitol Square, Room 201, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 466-8150
Senator Jerry Cirino, Chair, Senate Finance Committee:
Senate Building: 1 Capitol Square, Room 127, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 644-7718
cirino@ohiosenate.gov
Representative Matt Huffman, Speaker of the House:
Capitol Office: 77 South High Street, 14th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 466-6344
Representative Brian Stewart: Chair, House Finance Committee
Capitol Office: 77 South High Street, 13th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 466-1464
Representative Bride Rose Sweeney:
Capitol Office: 77 South High Street, 10th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 466-3350
rep16@ohiohouse.gov
Senator Nickie Antonio:
Ohio Statehouse: 1 Capitol Square, Room 303, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 466-5123
antonio@ohiosenate.gov
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