Jason Sobb

Jason Sobb ran for election for an at-large seat of the Toledo Public Schools Board of Education in Ohio. He lost as a write-in in the general election on November 7, 2023.

Biography

Jason Sobb was born in Toledo, Ohio. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado in 2002. Sobb’s career experience includes working as a senior manager at FedEx Ground and as the CEO of his own clothing line.^[1]

Elections

2023

General election

General election for Toledo Public Schools Board of Education At-large (2 seats)

Incumbent Randall Parker III and incumbent Sheena Barnes defeated Zach Mercer and Jason Sobb in the general election for Toledo Public Schools Board of Education At-large on November 7, 2023.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Randall Parker III (Nonpartisan)	85.9	29,566
✔		Sheena Barnes (Nonpartisan) (Write-in)	10.8	3,722
	Submit photo	Zach Mercer (Nonpartisan) (Write-in)	2.2	742
		Jason Sobb (Nonpartisan) (Write-in)	1.1	379

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 34,409
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

Sobb received the following endorsements.

Tony Dia (R) - Toledo City Cncl. cand.
J.R. Majewski (R) - Frmr. U.S. House cand.

2021

General election

General election for Toledo Public Schools Board of Education At-large (3 seats)

Incumbent Bob Vasquez, incumbent Chris Varwig, and incumbent Polly Taylor-Gerken defeated Jason Sobb in the general election for Toledo Public Schools Board of Education At-large on November 2, 2021.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Bob Vasquez (Nonpartisan)	30.7	16,762
✔	Chris Varwig (Nonpartisan)	28.3	15,418
✔	Polly Taylor-Gerken (Nonpartisan)	27.3	14,912
	Jason Sobb (Nonpartisan)	13.7	7,477

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 54,569
= 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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Campaign themes

2023

Jason Sobb did not complete Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

Other survey responses

Ballotpedia identified the following surveys, interviews, and questionnaires Sobb completed for other organizations. If you are aware of a link that should be added, email us.

League of Women Voters

2021

Jason Sobb completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2021. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Sobb's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Jason Sobb. I was born and raised in the City of Toledo. I went to elementary school at Ladyfield and then high school at St Francis de Sales. At that point I went off to college at the University of Colorado where I received a degree in advertising.

I soon after started working at FedEx Ground where I was a part time package handler loading a trailer and ended my career running my own FedEx Ground building while moving around the western part of the United States. Along with that, I was running my own clothing company and invested which has led me to the last 7 years of mid-life retirement.

I am a self-made individual and I believe everyone should be able to dream the American Dream and more importantly be given the tools to reach it. All of these experiences in different parts of the country with amazing people and unforgettable adventures have given me a unique understanding of the bigger picture and ideas I would have never had without them.

I am ready to start the second part of life and #makeTPSPROUDagain.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Being the voice of the front lines. Parents, teachers and administration who are silenced or too afraid to use their voice.
Vaccines/masking/CRT in newly re-opening schools.
Involvement and buy in from parents, teachers, students, and the community.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

1) Amendment to the federal budget resolution which prohibits federal funds from going towards Critical Race Theory related programs. Though the amendment passed, it is nonbinding and cannot legally be enforced.

2) House Bill 322 in the Ohio General Assembly
3) House Bill 110 in the Ohio General Assembly
4) House Bill 82 in the Ohio General Assembly
5) House Bill 73 in the Ohio General Assembly

6) Senate Bill 1 in the Ohio Senate

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

This should be self explanatory, but here is why. The 2,000 character limit on here is kind of constraining.

https://jlkepler.wordpress.com/2013/01/13/abraham-lincoln-a-true-american-leader/

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

In MY VISION, politics and indoctrination have no place in schools with children from adults in any capacity at any level. With that being said, I have seen instances both visually and verbally of multiple individuals bringing up politics that are currently on the TPS Board of Education. This is unacceptable in my opinion. This is a non-partisan election for a reason. My politics and/or their politics need to be tabled when it comes to children and the focus be put on them and their futures. It doesn't matter our politics, it matters what we have to offer and bring to the table. Again, there is no grey area here.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The biggest historical event that happened in my lifetime to this point was undoubtedly 9/11. I remember randomly turning on the TV in the morning right after the first plane hit and saw the second plane hit and that has forever changed my life, whether directly or indirectly. I was 22 years 3 months and 1 day old. I don't think I need to say anything more on that topic because we all know how it even effects The United States of America even to this day.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I was a caddie at Sylvania Country Club in the spring, summer, and fall after 8th grade until the spring and summer after I graduated St Francis deSales and went to college. In that time I went from trying to carry bags bigger than I was to a Captain Caddie who was constantly requested for tournaments at SCC, requested for tournaments off site, and even caddied for 2 LPGA professionals at the Jamie Farr.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Because A Little Bug Went Ka-Choo! By Dr Seuss. It is an early age kids book that teaches kids basically about The American Dream. It shows even the smallest idea or action can have a dramatic effect on things. As adults we call it the butterfly effect. This is a book I specifically remember from childhood that effects you in all aspects of life. Heck, it even directly correlates with my campaign now days.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

It is an concert event that happened I found on YouTube, not a song. It is my favorite DJ playing his set with his backdrop as the actual Egyptian Pyramids and Sphinx showing any dream can be made a reality. I encourage you to watch the first 3 minutes or so and the message given. Everything that distracts you disappears (especially if you were in the crowd) and the unity can be felt through the TV.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtaZsqKDlBo&t=248s

What is the primary job of a school board member in your view?

MY VISION is:

1) Establish the vision and goals for the school district.

2) Be aware of policies, laws, and regulations that may impact the work of the district; and implement policies that help improve the work of the district and its schools.

3) School board member responsibilities to hire and evaluate the district’s superintendent. The superintendent effectively serves as the chief executive officer of the local district, carrying out the day-to-day work to accomplish goals and fulfill the vision for the local district.

4) Adopt and maintain an annual budget that is aligned with the vision of the local school district. Ensuring that the expenses of the public school district is aligned with the goals and vision set by the school board is one of the board’s greatest responsibilities. It ensures that the school board is prioritizing what is really important (and what they may have promised the public) when it comes to accomplishing the goals and working towards the vision of the district.

5) Serve as leaders and representatives of the community and as advocates for students and the school district. School board member responsibilities are really to the public, to whom they are accountable. It is vital that the school board maintains open communication with the community. Establishing a vision and achieving goals to work toward that vision is important, but so is cultivating trust and transparency by keeping the public informed. Treating the public with respect and maintaining transparency through sharing pertinent information can foster trust and respect between the school board and the local community.

source: https://insights.diligent.com/board-development-public-education/school-board-member-responsibilities/

Who are your constituents?

MY VISION is school boards serve the community

  1) Listening to their ideas

  2) Engaging them in setting the district mission and goals

  3) Making student achievement a priority

  4) Advocating on important K-12 policy issues for all students

  5) Representing the district at community events

  6) Ensuring accountability for student and district performance

source: https://www.husdschools.org/domain/11

How would you support the diverse needs of your district’s students, faculty, staff, and community?

MY VISION is remove politics from schools and treat every student, faculty, staff, community resident...etc as equals and teach them everyone can have an equal opportunity through education avoiding politically trendy words like equity, inclusion and others like those that indoctrinate and divide kids and ultimately faculty, staff, and members of the community. I would then on equality (not equity, very different words) guide the entire TPS system into this kind of thought process if reasonably supported and accepted:

1) Keep learning
2) Practice self care on all levels
3) Build in downtime
4) Establish routines and communicate regularly
5) Know your students strengths and teach to them
6) Let students choose what to work on
7) Deliver content in different ways
8) Provide instruction multiple times and in multiple modalities
9) Know your students access to technology
10) Provide low or no tech alternatives

source and for more information on topic breakdown: https://www.theabilitychallenge.org/ten-ideas-for-keeping-students-with-diverse-learning-needs-engaged-at-home/

How will you build relationships with members of the broader community? Which groups, organizations, stakeholders will you specifically target?

I literally couldn't have written anything better if I wanted to after talking to thousands of people in the community at this point. It is slightly lengthy, but I wholeheartedly agree with the findings. It is a highly recommended read if you are interested in MY VISION. Knowledge is power.

https://www.hanoverresearch.com/media/Effective-Board-and-Superintendent-Collaboration-Featured.pdf

Do you believe it is important to intentionally recruit with the aim of diversifying the district’s faculty, staff, and administration? If so, what would be your policy to achieve this?

In MY VISION I absolutely do not agree in hiring with the aim of diversification. I come from the business world and I hire the best person for the job regardless of race, age, gender, religion, etc... If an alien from outer space shows up and can do the job better than I can I would fully expect that being to get the job over me. Diversity can be a major strength rest assured and is a major plus for numerous reasons if and when you can incorporate it, but it is not a direct sign of success when it comes to the bottom line when you are hiring the best person for the position. Don't try and take me out of context on this.

What issues get in the way of quality education? How would you address these obstacles?

I have the answer. I abstain from answering this question at this current time.

What constitutes good teaching? How will you measure this? How will you support advanced teaching approaches?

MY VISION for a good teacher is in the video below. I believe you give a teacher all the tools and training they need to succeed and you see how they do by giving them the freedom within certain constraints to be free in how to approach their teaching methods. The measurable have no grey area especially in regards to race, religion, socioeconomic status, culture, gender, age, etc... and it's called grades and participation. Any child can succeed if they believe they can. There is a reason we have a thing called The American Dream that now days the rest of the world seems to still believe in and this countries students is being taught not to.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1-zTiVl-BM&t=21s

In what areas would you like to expand curriculum? For example, do you see a need for advanced technical training or apprenticeships? What sort of innovative programming would you advance if given the opportunity?

In MY VISION The STEM system of schooling, which TPS rejected for integration district wide including magnet schools, has peaked my interest having met with some of the STEM collective. You can research it for yourself and form your own opinion. I have also been meeting with ancillary non-profit support networks that need to be propped up to support a failing school system. These are all creative outlets that need to be looked at and considered heavily. I have learned that TPS is now to far gone for numerous reasons to reverse course and fix itself, but it can become #makeTPSPROUDagain with strategic support. I know TPS has more career Tech Schools than anyone around, but considering their size shouldn't that be obvious? Here are a few of the better questions to ask here:

1) What is the quality of student entering those schools and teaching in those schools?
2) Are those schools and programs given all of the resources they need to succeed behind the scenes?

3) What is the actual graduation rates in TPS that make these conversations relevant? (hint https://toledoregion.com/the-region/education/public-private-schools/toledo-public-schools/)

What strategies or plans would you advance to ensure the schools are properly funded?

"Outcomes-based accountability should serve as a check on school funding systems. Student achievement and outcomes matter. Any approach to supporting school finance reform should ensure that the money supports the resources, programs, and services that all students need to be prepared to fully participate in the workforce and their community. Policymakers must simultaneously refine education standards so they are aligned to the changing society and implement rigorous accountability systems to assess if schools are meeting these goals. States should use these outcomes, rather than dollars or other inputs, to evaluate if schools are providing all students with a high-quality education."

source: https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/education-k-12/reports/2018/11/13/460397/quality-approach-school-funding/

If you can't offer hope and progress in fact based ratings, the talk of community buy in and support will never happen. You must take in numerous small wins to build into bigger wins and then the avalanche of support for hope in the future will start on its own. Currently families in 'mass' are moving out of Toledo when their child becomes of age to go to school if they have the means because they don't want their kid in the TPS school system. That is just a fact I have learned talking to thousands of people. I would logically argue that there is currently virtually no level of support vs what it could be for the current system and its leadership outside of big name donors wanting publicity.

What principles drive your policies for safety in schools?

“It is very important that we continue working to understand and prevent mass shooter events,” said Phelan Wyrick, director of the Crime and Crime Prevention Research Division within NIJ’s Office of Research and Evaluation. “However, we cannot allow the saliency of mass shooter events to overshadow the importance of a wide range of more common safety issues that schools face.”

Bullying, harassing, and enforcement of the school discipline policies are on the day to day minds of those involved in the day to day operations of schools.

How might you support the mental health needs of students/faculty/staff?

MY VISION on supporting and funding mental health:

"The simplest and most effective way to provide comprehensive mental health services on campus is for schools to hire mental health professionals on staff. Many schools employ counselors,but they are often tasked with duties such as scheduling and college admissions. The best practice for schools is to have mental health professionals that are completely and singularly focused on providing mental health services to students. These individuals should be specially licensed."

While the best solution would be to simply add these individuals to staff, some schools and districts may run into concerns about the number of allowable full-time employees (FTEs) or concerns over what to do when the funding ends. For these schools, a good solution would be to contract with individual mental health professionals.... In addition, many states may experience a talent pipeline issue because of a shortage of school-specialized mental health professionals combined with the increased demand for their services. Using contactors allows one individual to service multiple schools, slightly mitigating the talent pipeline concern. Contractors can also be useful if the school wants to provide a specialized type of mental health support, such as addiction, LGBT-related issues, family therapy, or a specialization in complex trauma. For these specializations, there may not be a large enough student population in need to justify employing a full-time specialist, but it may make sense for a school to contract for a limited number of hours....In 2014, Medicaid released updated guidelines known as the Free Care Reversal Policy that clarified that states can allow schools to bill Medicaid for mental health services for all students." Ohio has not currently started the process to authorize change. It must!

source: https://fordhaminstitute.org/national/commentary/schools-need-mental-health-services-heres-how-fund-them-after-covid-aid-ends

What role do you imagine technology playing in (and outside) the classroom in the future? How would you prepare the district for this?

See above: How would you support the diverse needs of your district’s students, faculty, staff, and community?

What are your views on how to address schooling during pandemic times?

In MY VISION, the question about mandated vs anti masking and vaccines is not the question. The real question and answer is choice. We should all have the option of proper education on the topics and not the propaganda we are constantly given. With that knowledge you can choose what you would like to do with your children without ridicule from either side. Currently the CDC does not require masking in schools, only recommends. Currently the State of Ohio does not require a masking in schools, only recommends. Currently Lucas County does not require masking in schools, only recommends. Currently TPS requires masks in schools indoors. Their policy dissipates outside at recess to no required masking. The same kids that have to mask and space indoors with masks are now playing and touching each other outdoors with no mask and then go indoors and put them on again. They then most likely take them off again when they leave school because we all see what we see in public at Walmart, Kroger, etc... as far as masking goes. Am I the only one that sees the flaws in logic here?

What will you do to build a relationship with parents in the district? What plans do you have to be inclusive of parental involvement?

Joyce Epsteen, the director for The Center of Parent School and Community Partnerships at John Hopskins University, says “Our charge is to create parent-friendly schools and school-friendly homes” Must watch video at the bottom of this article that will explain MY VISION moving forward.

https://inclusiveschools.org/how-do-we-build-effective-parent-school-partnerships-in-inclusive-schools/

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Footnotes

↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on August 26, 2021

[bio-1] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on August 26, 2021

[1]

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Jason Sobb

Contents

Biography

Elections

2023

General election

General election for Toledo Public Schools Board of Education At-large (2 seats)

Endorsements

2021

General election

General election for Toledo Public Schools Board of Education At-large (3 seats)

Campaign themes

2023

Other survey responses

2021

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

2025 Elections

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2024 Election analysis

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