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Ana Chapman
From Ballotpedia
Ana Chapman is an at-large member of the Berea City School District school board in Ohio. She assumed office on January 1, 2014. Her current term ends on December 31, 2025.
Chapman is running for re-election for an at-large seat of the Berea City School District school board in Ohio. She is on the ballot in the general election on November 4, 2025.[source]
Chapman completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Ana Chapman earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Miami in 1993 and a graduate degree from Cleveland State University in 1997. Her career experience includes working as an educator.[1]
Elections
2025
See also: Berea City School District, Ohio, elections (2025)
General election
The general election will occur on November 4, 2025.
General election for Berea City School District school board At-large (3 seats)
Incumbent Ana Chapman, incumbent Richard Mack, Maggie Campbell, and Trevor Koenig are running in the general election for Berea City School District school board At-large on November 4, 2025.
Candidate | ||
 | Ana Chapman (Nonpartisan)  | |
| Richard Mack (Nonpartisan) | ||
 | Maggie Campbell (Nonpartisan) | |
| Trevor Koenig (Nonpartisan) | ||
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Endorsements
Chapman received the following endorsements. To send us additional endorsements, click here.
- Berea Federation of Teachers
- North Shore Federation of Labor AFL-CIO
- United Auto Workers
- Matriots PAC
2021
See also: Berea City School District, Ohio, elections (2021)
General election
General election for Berea City School District school board At-large (3 seats)
The following candidates ran in the general election for Berea City School District school board At-large on November 2, 2021.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Ana Chapman (Nonpartisan) | 19.9 | 4,922 |
| ✔ | Heather Zirke (Nonpartisan) | 18.2 | 4,512 | |
| ✔ | Steve Dockman (Nonpartisan) | 15.7 | 3,896 | |
| Richard Mack (Nonpartisan) | 15.7 | 3,894 | ||
| Rachel McDonnell (Nonpartisan) | 10.6 | 2,618 | ||
| Douglas Schwind (Nonpartisan) | 8.2 | 2,021 | ||
| Larry Gabbard (Nonpartisan) (Write-in) | 5.8 | 1,446 | ||
| Other/Write-in votes | 6.0 | 1,484 | ||
| Total votes: 24,793 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Campaign themes
2025
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Ana Chapman completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Chapman's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I’m the proud mom of three graduates of our district, with my youngest graduating in 2024. Since my children first started school here in 2004, I have been a dedicated community volunteer, always working to support our students and staff. For the past 12 years, I’ve had the honor of serving on the Board of Education, and I am now seeking my 4th term. I believe my experience as a parent, educator and board member gives me valuable perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing our schools.
Professionally, I have taught elementary music for 32 years, which has given me firsthand insight into the daily realities of the classroom and the importance of supporting both students and educators. I believe that the power of public education can transform our children's lives. Growing up in Miami, Florida, as the daughter of Cuban immigrants, I am a proud first-generation American. My upbringing instilled in me a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for opportunity.
- Key Message 1: Fighting Misinformation One of the biggest challenges facing public schools today is the spread of misinformation. Too often, inaccurate claims create doubt and distract from the real work of teaching and learning. I believe school board members must be advocates for public education—speaking up, setting the record straight, and reminding our community of the incredible value our schools provide. I am committed to transparency, sharing the real successes in our classrooms, and making sure families have the facts.
- Key Message 2: Stable, Fair Funding Strong schools require stable, fair funding, yet in Ohio, funding has been unreliable for decades. Our district cannot provide the programs and opportunities students deserve without resources we can count on. As a board member, I have worked to advocate for fair state funding and to help our community understand how these challenges affect classrooms, programs, and staffing. My priority is pushing for the resources our students and staff need while reminding families that investing in our schools is investing in the future of our community.
- Key Message 3: Future Staffing Needs Over the next several years, our district will see many experienced staff members retire. We must prepare now to attract, support, and retain the next generation of talented educators and staff. Students succeed when they are taught and supported by skilled, compassionate professionals. I am committed to ensuring our district remains a place where great people want to work, where they feel valued, and where they can continue building strong schools for our kids.
I am most passionate about public policies that put students first. Every child deserves a safe, supportive learning environment and access to opportunities that prepare them for the future, no matter their background. I support policies that expand academic and career pathways, strengthen student well-being—including mental health—and ensure equitable resources across schools. I also advocate for fair, reliable funding and for protecting public education from misinformation and political agendas. Strong policies should always start with what benefits ALL students most.
I look up to my mother and grandmother, both immigrants and incredibly strong, determined women. My mother held several jobs while my grandmother cared for us and managed the home, teaching me the value of hard work, perseverance, and dedication. They showed me that being a woman is never a limitation—I can achieve anything through effort and determination. Their pride when I first ran for office and saw my name on a ballot reinforced the importance of serving others. Their example continues to guide how I lead, listen, and advocate as a parent, teacher, volunteer, and school board member.
The most important characteristics of an elected official are honesty, transparency, and dedication to the people they serve. It also means being humble enough to admit mistakes, apologize when necessary, and never pretend to have all the answers. A strong leader is willing to listen, learn, and grow in order to make better decisions. For me, these principles go hand-in-hand with keeping students at the center of every choice, collaborating respectfully with others, and having the courage to speak up for public education and our community.
The core responsibilities of a school board member are to set policy that guides the district, hire and evaluate the superintendent and treasurer, and hold them accountable for results. Just as important, a board member must serve as a bridge between the community and the schools—listening to families, staff, and students, including perspectives that differ from their own. This role requires transparency, respect, and an open mind. Every decision should keep students at the center, strengthen public education, and ensure our district remains effective and responsive to the community.
I would like to leave a legacy of strong, thriving public schools where every student has the opportunity to succeed. I want to be remembered as a board member who listened, advocated for students and staff, and worked tirelessly to protect and strengthen public education. I hope my service shows that leadership is a privilege and that girls in particular can accomplish anything they set their minds to. Most importantly, I want students and families to feel supported, inspired, and confident that they can reach their full potential.
I was a cashier in a grocery store. I had it for a few years in high school and college.
One of the biggest struggles in my life was moving from growing up in Florida to Cleveland. Adjusting to a very different environment and culture was challenging, and as a Hispanic woman, I sometimes encountered stereotypes that made me feel I had to work harder to prove myself. Being far away during my mother’s illness and death was also deeply difficult. Those experiences strengthened my empathy and reinforced the importance of family and community. I’ve now lived in Cleveland longer than anywhere else, and I love this city—the passionate sports culture, the changing seasons, the friendly people, and the slower pace. These experiences continue to guide my life and how I approach challenges and opportunities.
The primary job of a school board member is to put students first, always. Every policy we write, every budget we approve, and every decision we make must support student learning, well-being, and opportunity. A board member must also be a strong advocate for public education—pushing back against misinformation and making sure our community understands the real value of our schools. This work includes oversight of the superintendent and treasurer, but also listening to staff, families, and community members, even when we don’t all agree. At its core, the job is about protecting and strengthening our public schools so every student has the chance to succeed.
My constituents are the residents of our three communities (Berea, Brook Park, Middleburg Heights) —families with children in our schools, taxpayers who support our schools, and all residents of the district, including those who may not have voted for me. Every decision I make on the board affects students, families, staff, and the future of our schools. It’s important to listen to a wide range of voices and ensure our schools continue to serve the needs of the entire community, while using resources responsibly and providing the best opportunities for every student.
I support the diverse needs of students, faculty, staff, and the community by listening to their perspectives and ensuring decisions are inclusive and equitable. For students, this means providing programs and resources that meet varied learning needs. For staff and faculty, it means making sure the budget provides the resources they need to do their work effectively. I also prioritize open communication with families and community members to make sure all voices are heard and our schools continue to serve the needs of everyone in the district.
I build relationships with the broader community by being accessible, listening, and engaging directly with anyone who wants to meet. I attend school events, volunteer opportunities, and community gatherings to hear from families, students, and residents. I am also available to meet with local organizations, civic groups, and other stakeholders to understand their perspectives and find ways our schools and community can work together. My goal is to ensure all voices are heard, foster trust, and create partnerships that strengthen our schools and support every student’s success.
Good teaching combines dedication, lifelong learning, enthusiasm for the subject, empathy, patience, passion, and strong classroom management. It inspires students, meets diverse learning needs, and fosters curiosity and growth. While it is not the board’s role to evaluate teachers directly, the state of Ohio requires all teachers to be evaluated through the Ohio Teacher Evaluation System, and that responsibility falls to the administration. The board’s role is to ensure teachers have the resources, training, and classroom support they need to succeed and to encourage advanced teaching approaches that benefit all students.
To ensure our schools are properly funded, I will continue advocating for fair, reliable state funding and educating our community about how funding impacts classrooms, programs, and student opportunities. I will support levy campaigns when needed and work to ensure resources are allocated effectively within the district. My focus is on keeping public education strong, making sure every student has the tools and opportunities they need, and holding policymakers accountable for providing the resources our schools require to succeed.
My policies for school safety are guided by prevention, preparedness, and student well-being. As a parent and longtime teacher, I know it’s a shame that students have to practice lockdown drills, but it’s the world we live in, and schools must be ready. I support clear safety protocols, regular training for staff and students, and open communication with families. Safety policies should balance security with a welcoming environment, protecting both physical and emotional well-being so every child can learn, grow, and feel supported.
I would support the mental health needs of students, faculty, and staff by ensuring the district provides appropriate resources and programs. This includes access to trained counselors, social-emotional learning initiatives, and professional development on mental health awareness. Staff also need to feel supported so morale remains high, which helps them do their best work for students. Creating a school environment where well-being is prioritized, stress is managed proactively, and support systems are in place for everyone is essential for a thriving school community.
Berea Federation of Teachers
UAW Northeast Ohio
My ideal learning environment is engaging, active, and responsive to the needs of each student. It balances traditional paper-and-pencil learning with technology and creative opportunities, allowing students to explore, problem-solve, and develop their strengths. Teachers build strong relationships with students and maintain open communication with families so everyone can work together to support learning. Classrooms should inspire curiosity, challenge students to grow, and provide the resources and guidance each child needs to succeed academically, socially, and creatively.
I build relationships with parents by being accessible, communicative, and present. I continue to maintain my board member Facebook page, where I regularly post reminders about upcoming school events, celebrate student and staff successes, share articles about public education in Ohio, and remind families of board meeting dates and opportunities to engage with the board. Parents are always welcome to email, call, or meet with me in person. My goal is to keep families informed, heard, and connected to the schools and the decisions that affect their children.
With many experienced staff members retiring soon, it’s vital to attract and retain talented educators and administrators. While the board does not hire directly—that’s the superintendent’s role—I focus on making sure the district has the resources, policies, and support needed to recruit effectively. As a longtime teacher and parent, I understand the importance of competitive compensation, professional development, and a welcoming school culture. Ensuring we have skilled, dedicated staff is essential for every student to thrive and for our schools to continue providing excellent education.
I would like to see world languages brought back to middle school and possibly expanded into elementary grades. I also support incorporating more 21st-century skills and life skills into the curriculum, including effective communication, time management, emotional regulation, stress management, and the importance of community service. My goal is to ensure students are prepared not just academically, but for life beyond the classroom, with the skills, knowledge, and mindset they need to succeed in school, work, and the broader community.
Artificial intelligence can be a valuable tool in our schools when used thoughtfully. It can support personalized learning, help students explore new ideas, and assist teachers with administrative tasks. At the same time, it must be implemented responsibly, ensuring student privacy, and academic integrity. The board’s role is to set policies that guide safe and effective use, provide resources for teachers to integrate AI meaningfully, and monitor outcomes to make sure it enhances—not replaces—the human connection that is essential in education.
The accomplishment I am most proud of is being a mother to my three children, who are truly the light of my life. Watching them grow, learn, and pursue their dreams has been the most meaningful and rewarding experience I could imagine. Alongside this, I am proud of my career as an elementary music teacher and my many years of service to my community. These experiences reflect my dedication to nurturing growth, supporting learning, and helping every child reach their potential.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2021
Ana Chapman did not complete Ballotpedia's 2021 Candidate Connection survey.
See also
2025 Elections
External links
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Candidate Berea City School District school board At-large |
Officeholder Berea City School District school board At-large |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on September 29, 2025
