Celebrating Our Superheroes
Each January, school districts across Ohio celebrate their boards of education as part of School Board Recognition Month. At Finneytown, we are no different. This year’s theme is Superheroes. We are grateful for our superheroes and all the ways they support our students, staff, and broader community. Learn a little more about each member below, and be sure to thank them for all that they do!
Jelicia McMullen, President
Jelicia is in her third year on the board. What she loves most about the schools is that they try to give all students the same opportunities. “Every student is loved and valued for who they are,” she said.
Her children and the community are what inspired her to serve and her favorite memory is the Open House for Finneytown Elementary. She said, “Seeing the look of excitement on everyone’s face is something I will never forget! It made me thankful to be a part of a district that achieves such remarkable goals.”
Seth Plaut, Vice President
Seth is the newest addition to the board. A proud 1994 alumni, he has served for one year. The families, staff, and a sense of community inspired him to run for the board.
“With three graduates and three currently enrolled, I strive to be involved,” said Seth. “While attending band competitions, soccer practices, and helping at school socials, I started talking to educators, parents and neighbors. I listened to the challenges teachers and parent volunteers are fighting to enlighten our students. I learned that everyone needs to know their efforts are appreciated and that someone supports their efforts. I am finally at a place where I can give back.”
He has several memorable moments from his time on the board thus far, but one that stands out is attending the PBL showcase. He said, “It was enjoyable to watch the excitement of our students [giving presentations] and the strengthening bond with their teacher(s).”
He believes Finneytown is unique and stronger because of its diversity.
Lindsey Lee
Lindsey has served on the Board of Education for three years. She chose to serve because she is a passionate parent who saw a need in Finneytown Schools.
“I had the time, willingness, skills, and interest to do so,” she said. “I wanted to help us be the best we could.”
She believes the district’s greatest strength is that everyone believes in the district’s vision and lives it. She names ProAction Cafes and World Culture Night as some of her favorite moments.
Eddie Reeb Jr.
Eddie is in his fourth year on the Finneytown Board of Education. A proud alumnus, he was inspired to serve because he said some of the best years of his life were spent at Finneytown.
“I wanted to give my time and effort to ensure that students in our district receive a world-class education, especially in early reading and math instruction. I believe we have something special in Finneytown and will continue to do my part in making our community a great place to live, work, and send our children to school,” he said.
He said the greatest strength of the district is how close the community is, not just in geographic size, but relationally. Similarly, he said the best part of being on the board has been making connections with old friends and their families as well as new residents who don’t know much about being a “Finneytown-er.”
Jamie Rea
Jamie is in his third year on the board and ran because he has a “passion for public education and wanted to help.”
He cites the staff and students and the diversity within the district as Finneytown Schools’ biggest strengths.
Jamie thoroughly enjoys the interactions he has with students and staff, and one of his favorite events of the year is World Culture Night.