New Board Member Aims to Strengthen Highland Schools

John Ross recently joined the board of education for Highland Local Schools, bringing a fresh outlook and a focus on solid leadership. He emphasizes the importance of listening to parents, teachers, and students while steering the district toward academic success. Ross wants the board to stay financially sound and keep schools safe for everyone. A 1987 graduate of Highland High, Ross runs a real‑estate firm called Affiliates Title Group LLC. He plans to use his experience in business and property management to help the district run its budget wisely. Understanding how money flows through schools is a top priority for him, as is staying ready for new state rules that could affect funding or operations.Ross describes himself as meticulous and data‑driven. He believes in making choices that are backed by facts, especially at a time when Ohio’s public‑school funding is changing. He vows to push for fair allocation formulas that benefit Highland students and staff alike. The election that brought Ross onto the board also saw incumbents Christopher Wolny and Melissa Schreiner keep their seats. They defeated Scott Quade for the three open positions. Robert Kelly, who had served 28 years, stepped down after a long tenure. Ross hopes to build on Highland’s tradition of teamwork and open dialogue. He wants every board member to feel heard, encourages transparency, respects different viewpoints, and seeks common ground whenever possible. His goal is to keep the board collaborative while steering the district toward a brighter future.