LAKEWOOD, Ohio -- With five candidates vying for three open seats, the Lakewood City Schools Board of Education race included incumbents Linda G. Beebe (4,618 votes) and Emma Petrie-Barcelona (5,728 votes), as well as Michael J. Callahan (4,981 votes), defeating incumbent Tom Einhouse (3,918 votes) and challenger Andrew A. Meyer (3,559 votes).
This is according to final, unofficial results from the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections. Each term is for four years, with members earning $125 per meeting.
“I’m appreciative of everyone who voted for me in the election this week,” said Beebe, who is currently finishing her ninth term as a board member. “I hope that people voted for me because I will work hard to ensure that our children get the best possible education, that we remain fiscally responsible and that the new facilities are protected and maintained.
“Although I am saddened to lose Tom Einhouse's wisdom and experience, I want to welcome Mike Callahan to the board. He brings a new body of experience to the mix, and I look forward to working with him.”
On Election Day, Petrie-Barcelona was re-elected to her third term on the Lakewood Board of Education.
“It’s been a privilege to serve the students, teachers, school community and all of Lakewood over the past eight years,” Petrie-Barcelona said. “Now that we have completed the school reconstruction project, are about to pilot our first full-day pre-K program and Superintendent (Michael) Barnes has launched the vision for the schools, I’m excited to be part of the leadership in what is to come for our district.
“I’m glad to be able to continue to represent the interests of Lakewood residents alongside my fellow board members in service to the Lakewood City Schools.”
For lifelong Lakewood resident Callahan, being elected to the Board of Education is extra special.
“I think residents elected me because I had a clear and consistent message that I worked very hard to get out to people,” Callahan said. “I knocked on a lot of doors and made many other efforts through forums, community groups and events.
“People realized that I’m fairly visible and many voters identified with my desire to represent families of younger children. I also believe that my background as a public sector manager and parks and recreation professional was appealing to voters, especially since Lakewood recreation services are a function of the school district. Overall, I’m fortunate for support from a wide range of people.”
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