Charles Newman
Elections and appointments
Personal
Contact
Charles Newman is running for election for an at-large seat of the Pickerington Local School District Board of Education in Ohio. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 4, 2025.[source]
Newman completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Charles Newman was born in Richmond, Virginia. Newman's professional experience includes working as a communications professional, senior pastor, and working in government. He earned a bachelor's degree from Ohio Christian University in 2014.[1][2]
Newman has been affiliated with the following organizations:[2]
- Pickerington Black Parents' Network
- Pickerington Area Soccer Association
- National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
- United Way of Central Ohio, Project Diversity
- African American Leadership Academy
- Who's Who Black Columbus
Elections
2025
See also: Pickerington Local School District, Ohio, elections (2025)
General election
The general election will occur on November 4, 2025.
Endorsements
Newman received the following endorsements. To send us additional endorsements, click here.
2021
See also: Pickerington Local School District, Ohio, elections (2021)
General election
2025
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Charles Newman completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Newman'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 Charles Newman, a proud husband, father of five boys, lifelong Pickerington resident, and graduate of Pickerington North. My wife, Janna, serves in our schools, and together we have the joy of raising our sons in this community that has shaped us.
I currently serve as Senior Pastor of Antioch Jordan, where I work daily to build community, create opportunities for young people, and lead with integrity. Professionally, I also serve in public service with the City of Columbus, focusing on safety, engagement, and neighborhood development.
As an alumnus, a parent, and a spouse of a PLSD staff member, I bring a 360-degree perspective of our district. I’ve seen firsthand the promise of our schools and the challenges we face. That’s why I’m running, to put students first, support teachers and staff, and strengthen the bond between schools, families, and the community. - Students First – Ensuring every decision puts our kids at the center. That means safe schools, smaller class sizes, and real support for all learners, including special needs and alternative pathways.
- Respect for Educators – Advocating for fair pay, resources, and professional dignity for the teachers and staff shaping our children’s futures.
- Financial Sustainability – Making smart, responsible budget decisions so we meet today’s needs without compromising tomorrow’s stability.
Strong Public Education – Safe schools, smaller class sizes, and fair pay and resources for teachers.
Community Investment – Building partnerships with families, nonprofits, and local organizations to strengthen support systems.
Equity & Inclusion – Policies that ensure every student—regardless of background, ability, or income—has equal access to opportunities.
Fiscal Responsibility – Smart, transparent budgeting that balances today’s needs with long-term stability for the district.
Workforce Development – Preparing students for both college and career pathways through vocational training, STEM, and leadership opportunities. I look up to my father. He taught me the value of hard work, integrity, and serving others with humility. His example showed me that leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about responsibility, consistency, and doing the right thing even when no one is watching. Following his example keeps me grounded and reminds me that true success is measured by the impact we leave on others.
For me, the most important characteristics are:
Integrity – Being honest, transparent, and consistent so the community knows they can trust your word.
Accountability – Owning both successes and mistakes, and staying responsive to the people you serve.
Respect – Leading with empathy, listening to all voices, and treating everyone with dignity.
Vision – Having a forward-looking plan that puts the needs of students and families first.
Service – Remembering that leadership is about serving people, not power or position. Student Success – Ensuring every decision centers on what’s best for students’ learning, safety, and future opportunities.
Support for Educators – Providing teachers and staff with the resources, respect, and pay they need to do their jobs well.
Fiscal Stewardship – Managing taxpayer dollars wisely through transparent, responsible budgeting that balances today’s needs with long-term sustainability.
Policy & Governance – Setting clear policies that guide the district while leaving day-to-day management to administrators.
Community Engagement – Listening to families, being accessible, and building trust through open communication and collaboration. I want my legacy to be that I showed my sons how to live with faith, integrity, and love. More than any title or position, I want them to remember the kind of man I was, someone who worked hard, cared deeply for people, and never stopped serving. If my sons can say their father led by example, treated people with respect, and left the world a little better than he found it, then that’s the legacy I hope to leave.
September 11. I was 13 years old
My favorite book is Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. I love it because it breaks down faith in such a clear and practical way, making deep truths simple and relatable. Lewis doesn’t just talk about religion, he talks about how to live with integrity, humility, and conviction in everyday life. That book has shaped how I see my own walk of faith and how I try to lead with both strength and compassion.
I would choose Black Panther. He represents strength, intelligence, and leadership, but also a deep commitment to his people and culture. What I admire most is that his power isn’t just about fighting, it’s about protecting, serving, and lifting others up. Black Panther shows that true leadership means carrying responsibility with courage and humility, which is the kind of example I want to follow in my own life.
One of my struggles has been balancing the many roles I carry, as a husband, father of five, pastor, and community leader. There have been moments when I felt stretched thin, but that challenge has also been a blessing. It has taught me discipline, patience, and the importance of being intentional with my time. Most importantly, it reminds me daily to keep my family first and to model for my sons that even in the middle of life’s demands, love, faith, and presence matter most.
The primary job of a school board member is to represent the community by making policy and budget decisions that put students first. That means setting the vision and direction for the district, supporting teachers and staff, ensuring responsible use of taxpayer dollars, and holding the district accountable to families. In short, the role is about governance and advocacy, making sure every child in our schools has the opportunity to succeed.
My constituents are the families, students, educators, staff, and community members of the Pickerington Local School District.
Students
Provide equitable access to resources (tutoring, technology, counseling, extracurriculars).
Expand pathways for all learners—college prep, career tech, arts, and special education.
Ensure safe and inclusive learning environments where every student feels valued.
Faculty & Staff
Advocate for fair pay, manageable class sizes, and professional development opportunities.
Create a culture of respect where educators’ voices are heard in decision-making.
Support wellness programs that recognize the physical and emotional demands of teaching.
Families & Community
Strengthen communication and transparency so families are informed and engaged.
Build partnerships with local organizations, nonprofits, and businesses to expand student opportunities.
Celebrate cultural diversity through events, curriculum, and community collaborations that reflect the richness of the district. Building relationships starts with being accessible and intentional. I plan to be present at school events, community forums, and neighborhood gatherings so families know their voices are heard. Consistent communication, through meetings, updates, and open dialogue, is key to building trust.
Parents & Families – Creating spaces for feedback and partnership in decision-making.
Teachers & Staff – Maintaining ongoing conversations to understand their needs and solutions.
Students – Listening directly to their perspectives, especially through student councils and youth leadership groups.
Faith & Civic Leaders – Partnering on mentorship, service, and community-building programs.
Local Businesses & Nonprofits – Building collaborations that expand career pathways, internships, and resources.
Senior Residents & Taxpayers – Keeping the broader community engaged, since strong schools benefit everyone. Good teaching is when educators connect with students in meaningful ways, set high expectations, and create engaging lessons that meet diverse learning needs. It combines subject knowledge with compassion, patience, and the ability to inspire curiosity. Good teaching doesn’t just transfer information, it helps students think critically, solve problems, and grow in confidence.
I believe good teaching should be measured through multiple lenses, not just test scores. That includes student growth over time, classroom observations, feedback from students and parents, and the professional development goals set by teachers themselves. Measuring teaching well means looking at the whole picture of student engagement, progress, and well-being.
To support advanced teaching, I would encourage innovation in the classroom, like project-based learning, use of technology, and culturally responsive teaching. That requires giving teachers access to professional development, collaboration time, and resources to try new approaches. It also means creating a culture where educators feel safe to innovate, share best practices, and learn from each other. I believe ensuring proper funding starts with responsible stewardship of the dollars we already have. That means transparent budgeting, clear communication with taxpayers, and making sure funds are directed toward classrooms and student success first.
Beyond that, I would advocate for fair state funding so our district isn’t forced to shoulder an unequal burden through local levies. Building strong partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, and community groups can also bring in additional resources and opportunities for our students.
Finally, I will push for long-term financial planning that balances today’s needs with tomorrow’s growth, so we’re not just reacting to shortfalls but preparing for sustainability. The foundation of school safety is that every child deserves to feel secure, respected, and free to learn without fear. My approach is guided by three principles: prevention, protection, and partnership.
Prevention means investing in mental health services, anti-bullying programs, and early interventions to address issues before they escalate.
Protection means maintaining secure facilities, clear emergency procedures, and strong collaboration with local safety professionals.
Partnership means engaging parents, staff, students, and community leaders so safety is seen as everyone’s responsibility.
When these principles work together, we create an environment where students can focus on learning and teachers can focus on teaching. Supporting the mental health needs of students, faculty, and staff is essential to a thriving school community. For students, that means access to counselors, social-emotional learning, and safe spaces to express themselves. For faculty and staff, it means reducing burnout by providing wellness resources, manageable workloads, and professional support. A healthy learning environment starts with healthy people, and I believe mental health must be treated as a core part of education, not an afterthought.
One policy I would strongly advocate for is the expansion of full-day kindergarten. Research shows that early learning sets the foundation for long-term academic success, and full-day programs give children more time to develop literacy, social skills, and confidence in the classroom. For working parents, it also provides consistency and reduces childcare burdens. Implementing full-day kindergarten district-wide would be an investment in equity, ensuring that every child—no matter their background, starts their education on strong, equal footing.
My ideal learning environment is one where every student feels safe, supported, and inspired to learn. It’s a space where classrooms are small enough for teachers to give personal attention, and where every child has access to the tools and resources they need, whether that’s advanced coursework, special education support, or career pathways. An ideal environment also values diversity and inclusion, celebrating each student’s unique background while fostering respect and collaboration. Most importantly, it’s a place where students feel seen, heard, and prepared, not only for academic success, but for life beyond the classroom.
I believe parents are true partners in education, and building that relationship starts with being accessible and engaged. I will hold regular listening sessions, attend school events, and keep open lines of communication so parents know their voices are heard. Transparency is also key, which means providing clear and timely updates about decisions that affect families and inviting feedback before final choices are made. I will create opportunities for parents to serve on advisory groups, volunteer in schools, and help shape programs that impact their children. Above all, I will lead with respect, recognizing that parents are the first teachers of their children and ensuring their perspectives remain central in the district’s decision-making process.
Recruiting strong educators and leaders starts with making our district a place where people want to work and stay. That means offering competitive pay and benefits, supporting professional growth, and creating a culture of respect where staff feel valued. I would also prioritize diversity in hiring, ensuring our faculty and administration reflect the students and families we serve. Building partnerships with local universities, teacher prep programs, and leadership pipelines can help us attract fresh talent, while mentoring and support systems can keep experienced staff engaged. At the end of the day, recruitment is about more than filling positions, it’s about investing in people who are committed to student success and community excellence.
I believe our curriculum should prepare students not only for tests, but for life. I would like to see an expansion of full-day kindergarten so every child begins their journey with a strong foundation. I also believe we should strengthen life skills education things like financial literacy, digital citizenship, and civic engagement. In addition, expanding career and technical programs would give students more pathways to success, whether they plan for college or enter the workforce. Finally, I’d support a curriculum that balances STEM and the arts, because creativity and problem-solving go hand in hand.
Artificial intelligence can be a powerful tool, but it must be used responsibly. I see AI supporting our district in three key ways: first, by helping teachers with administrative tasks so they can spend more time actually teaching; second, by giving students access to personalized learning tools that adapt to their needs; and third, by helping the district make smarter decisions through data analysis. At the same time, we must have clear guidelines to protect student privacy, prevent misuse, and ensure AI complements, not replaces, the human relationships that make education meaningful.
One story that really touched me came from my former 4th grade teacher. When she saw that I was running, she told me how proud she was, because the love and investment she poured into me as a child, she could now see me pouring back into others through my leadership. That moment reminded me how powerful teachers are in shaping lives, and how the seeds they plant can bear fruit years later. It was humbling, and it strengthened my commitment to make sure today’s students feel that same care and encouragement from the adults around them.
Out of everything I’ve been blessed to do, the accomplishment I’m most proud of is being a father. Raising my five sons is both the greatest challenge and the greatest joy of my life. Watching them grow, learn, and step into their own gifts reminds me daily of why I work so hard and serve the way I do. At the end of the day, titles and achievements may fade, but the legacy I leave through my children will last for generations.
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
Charles Newman completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2021. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Newman's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Charles E. Newman has made it his life’s work to advocate for youth and champion local issues that impact the Central Ohio area. Over the past decade, he has been recognized as an emerging leader in the Pickerington community, spurring democratic change and dialog for greater diversity. Charles is the proud husband of a Pickerington High School Central employee, and the father of five energetic boys, three of whom attend Pickerington Local School District (PLSD).
Charles is committed to advancing the lives of young people. He mentors students by coaching the Centennial High School Varsity Boys Soccer team and serving as the Pastoral Advisor of the Eastern Union Missionary Baptist Association Youth Auxiliary.
After graduating from the Pickerington North High School, Charles attended Ohio Christian University where he graduated with a Bachelors in Business Administration and Religious Education and currently is pursuing his MBA.
Charles’ passion for serving the community and professional experience will enable him to lead our district during these times of change. He knows that education can improve the lives of all if we put our children, our community, and our future first. - Equitable Education Reform
- Greater Accountabilty
- Advocacy + Support
As a champion for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Charles has led several efforts and grassroots initiatives to bring this work to action in the local community of Pickerington and the PLSD.
Rep. John Lewis. His determination for change and justice paced the way for many people, especially people like me to dare to run.
I am a thought leader with strong communication and engagement skills. Specialized in Community and Government services.
I want to create a legacy where my sons can walk in and continue the story of change made to better those around us.
The first historical event that I can remember was 9/11. I was 12 years old.
My first job was a bagger at Kroger. Held this position.for all 4 years of his school.
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis, one of the best illustrations of how faith is relatable to everyday life.
Spiderman, best costume and the best skils by far. Not to add he is a communications professional so we share the same joy of telling stories.
Aretha Franklin, "Respect" ...I watched the movie
Overcoming the hate and differences people don't accept. My heart hurts to see our communities unable to unite because of differences. My goal and ambitions are to change this by overcoming the struggle and leading the way.
Currently, the Pickerington Local School district comprises nearly 50% of students of color from young families and will continue to diversify. I’m here to respond to the need for greater diversity in race and personal experience on the board – the type of diversity that is represented across our increasingly diverse student population.
Every single resident in the PLSD, that wants to move the district away from the status quo.
As an alumni, husband of a district employee, an current parent of students in the district. My unique position provides me the opportunity to see all angles the district has to offer. This perspective will help me serve the many needs our district has with a relatable approach.
Engagement is only way to build relationships. Meeting residents where they are and making myself available. My target is anybody who cares bout our district from student to community members.
In order to get the diversity that is required to respond to the increasing level of diversity in our community, We must be intentional in our practices to recruit diverse candidates. Developing policies that require management and HR to provide sufficient data that shows the effort in reaching diverse candidates for every position, will ensure this work is being done in our district.
Currently in the state of Ohio. The funding structure for schools is not the best. As a school district, we are forced to depend on local residents heavily to obtain dollars for primary educational resources. We can overcome this by working with partners at the state and federal level to develop new strategies and also be wise stewards of the dollars we do receive.
Good teaching is found when students are able to leave the classroom, better than when they came in. This can not be measured only by test scores, but a holistic outlook must be taken when examining staff. We support this by allowing staff the opportunity to add passion value to the work they do every day.
Where do you store dad jokes? In a DAD-A-Base
Engagement with parentsnby providing access for them to meet and work with me.
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.
See also
External links
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 20, 2021
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on September 3, 2025
