The Groveport Messenger asked the same question to all candidates for the Groveport Madison School Board seats.

What is your response to tax payer’s about using school board funds in the current civil case (Case no. 25CV6021)?

This case is Groveport Madison Schools Board of Education, plaintiff, versus John Kershner and Kathleen Walsh, defendants. Kershner and Walsh are both current members of the Groveport Madison School Board. The civil case can be found through the Franklin County Clerk of Courts of the Common Pleas.

Responses received:

This lawsuit is a complete waste of taxpayer money. Once again, the current Board of Education is acting in a childish and irresponsible manner — pointing fingers without justification, transparency, or proper approval.

As someone who regularly attends board meetings, I want to highlight that the district’s own policy, BBAA, clearly states:

“Because all powers of the Board lie in its action as a group, individual members exercise their authority over District affairs only as they vote to take action at a legal meeting of the Board.”

The public meeting minutes are available online, and there is no record of a board vote authorizing the expenditure of funds for this lawsuit. There was no vote giving Mr. Bower or Mrs. Gray the authority to file it on behalf of the district. That means these funds were spent without proper authorization — a clear violation of board policy.

In my opinion, those responsible for this frivolous spending should be held accountable and required to repay the district. While the board continues to plead for a bond to improve our unsafe schools, they simultaneously spend money on legal actions that are unnecessary and avoidable.

Take case 24CV2489, for example — yet another lawsuit where more funds were wasted. That case should have been processed through the district’s insurance policy, which exists precisely for this reason. If it had been, a designated attorney would have been assigned, and we could have preserved funds that should be going directly to support students and school safety.

These are the kinds of decisions that erode public trust. It’s exactly why we need fresh, responsible voices on the board — people committed to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and actually involving the public in decisions about how our tax dollars are spent.

If you had any questions please feel free to contact me! -Ashley Zimmer

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I believe taxpayer dollars should always be used responsibly and transparently to support students, teachers, and classrooms first. While I can’t speak to the specifics of an active legal matter I do think this situation highlights how much time and energy can be lost when a board is not functioning cohesively. A collaborative and student-centered board would likely have avoided reaching this point.

Everyone involved made choices.. but none appear to have prioritized the best interests of our students. Moving forward it’s important to assess what good faith efforts can be made to rebuild trust and ensure the board operates with the same standards we expect from our students and staff.

As an HR professional I would recommend we approach this by reviewing existing grievance protocols, evaluating communication channels, and identifying where protections may need to be strengthened for those simply doing their jobs. These funds exist to maintain a safe, effective environment for employees and students, and as a board member, I would stay focused on ensuring that is where our resources and attention remain.

Best regards, Dionna Herbert

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I believe our school funds should go to students and classrooms- not lawsuits. From what’s been shared, this case was filed without a vote of the full board, and that’s not right. It’s the second time board leadership has done this, and now we’re in another round of legal costs the public never approved.

I’m thankful the two members named in this round used the district’s insurance, so taxpayers aren’t stuck with the bill. If I’m elected, I’ll work hard along with all board members and focus on solving problems- not creating them. When there’s disagreement, mediation and communication are better options than costly lawsuits. Our community deserves cooperation not conflict. -Michael Dulin

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Ensuring student safety is one of the Board’s primary responsibilities. The use of School Board funds in the current civil case reflects our obligation to protect the integrity of that responsibility and the lawful actions of the Board.

Administrative meetings focused on student safety should never be put in jeopardy by an alleged violation of the Open Meetings Act. The Board remains committed to transparency and accountability while also ensuring that our administrators can conduct essential safety discussions without fear of legal misinterpretation or interference. Our priority has always been, and continues to be, the safety and well-being of every student in Groveport Madison Schools. -Seth Bowers

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When I first heard about the disagreement and behaviors related to the 25CV6021, I, like others in our school district, was sad (some were mad) to see the conflict among the five Board members.

As a teacher in previous districts, I worked with board members on committees where our goal was to discuss topics and issues, reach consensus for the betterment of the staff and students, and work with respective board members on projects.

During my time on these committees, we were asked questions and perspectives. Even if we did not all fully agree, we agreed to disagree and to have open conversations. Voters have told me they are upset about the lawsuit and want to see change on the GM School Board.

The next school board needs to fully listen to each other if they are really in their position to support the staff and students of the district. Board members are leaders in our district and should set a good example for our administrators, teachers, staff, and above all else, students. A good school board must get along, find common ground, and follow the laws and rules established long before they took office. -Lori Foltz-Rea

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I understand and respect the concerns taxpayers have about how district funds are being used, especially regarding the current civil case. While I’m not a member of the current board and therefore not involved in that decision, I believe that all financial decisions, especially those involving legal matters, should be transparent, justified and communicated clearly to the public.

As a candidate, my commitment is to ensure that every dollar spent by the district directly supports our students, educators, and classrooms. Accountability and trust are at the heart of effective leadership, and that’s what I intend to bring to the Groveport Madison School Board. -Larry Carey

These responses are printed as received. No responses were recieved from LaToya Dowdell-Burger.