Omar Ashraf

Omar Ashraf

Nonpartisan

Candidate, Olentangy Local School District Board of Education At-large

Elections and appointments

Next election

November 4, 2025

Education

Graduate

University of Pittsburgh, 2010

Personal

Profession

Entrepreneur

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Omar Ashraf is running for election for an at-large seat of the Olentangy Local School District Board of Education in Ohio. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 4, 2025.^[source]

Ashraf completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Elections

2025

See also: Olentangy Local School District, Ohio, elections (2025)

General election

The general election will occur on November 4, 2025.

General election for Olentangy Local School District Board of Education At-large (2 seats)

Incumbent Kevin Daberkow, incumbent Brandon Lester, Omar Ashraf, and Shilpa Saxena are running in the general election for Olentangy Local School District Board of Education At-large on November 4, 2025.

		Candidate
		Kevin Daberkow (Nonpartisan)
	Submit photo	Brandon Lester (Nonpartisan)
		Omar Ashraf (Nonpartisan)
	Submit photo	Shilpa Saxena (Nonpartisan)

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

Ashraf received the following endorsements. To send us additional endorsements, click here.

• Moms United for Education

Campaign themes

2025

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Omar Ashraf completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Ashraf'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.

As a dedicated parent of an 8th grader at Orange Middle School, I am deeply invested in the success of every student in our district. I have been actively involved in public education initiatives and community engagement efforts, working with various local associations to support our schools and families. As a successful entrepreneur, I understand the importance of balancing fiscal responsibility with the need to invest in excellence. I believe our district can continue delivering top-tier education while ensuring resources are used wisely and effectively. I am committed to working collaboratively with parents, educators, and community members to sustain Olentangy’s strong academic reputation, create new opportunities for our growing student population, and keep our schools a place where every child can thrive.

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?

• We can maintain Olentangy’s tradition of academic excellence without relying on endless levy hikes. My approach is rooted in zero-based budgeting—carefully evaluating every expense each year to ensure funds are directed where they are most effective. This means cutting unnecessary costs, eliminating inefficiencies, and making smart investments that directly benefit students and teachers. By being strategic with our resources, we can provide the tools, technology, and programs needed for success while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.
• I am committed to supporting initiatives that provide the highest quality education for every child in our district. This includes ensuring students have access to excellent teachers, a safe and inclusive learning environment, and opportunities to explore academics, arts, athletics, and career pathways. I believe in working collaboratively with parents, educators, and the community to identify what works best for our children. By fostering innovation while preserving proven programs, we can prepare our students to thrive in college, careers, and as engaged members of society.
• By collaborating with parents, educators, and local leaders, we can support our schools effectively while ensuring every dollar is spent with transparency and accountability. Strong communication and community involvement are essential to meeting the needs of a growing district. I will work to keep decision-making open and accessible so families understand how resources are allocated and why. Together, we can prioritize the programs, staffing, and infrastructure that have the greatest impact on student success. This approach builds trust, strengthens our schools, and ensures that investments reflect the shared priorities of our community.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Our kids deserve the very best, and I will be a relentless advocate for them on the school board. I will make sure every parent’s voice is heard and respected. My priority is delivering an exceptional education—outstanding teachers, safe and inspiring classrooms, and opportunities that prepare students for success in academics, arts, athletics, and life. We can do this while managing resources wisely, cutting waste, and investing where it matters most—our children. I believe in full transparency and strong partnerships between parents, educators, and the community. Together, we will keep Olentangy a place where every student thrives and every family is proud to call home.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I bring the qualities of a proven leader—integrity, accountability, and the ability to listen and act decisively. As a successful entrepreneur and active community member, I have experience managing budgets, solving complex problems, and bringing people together to achieve results. I approach every challenge with a focus on transparency, fiscal responsibility, and measurable outcomes. My commitment to open communication ensures that all voices—parents, educators, and students—are heard and valued. I am results-driven, collaborative, and unafraid to make tough decisions when they are in the best interest of our students. These qualities will guide me in representing our community effectively and keeping Olentangy schools strong and student-focused.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

I will be your champion and your voice to the school administration—making sure they understand our priorities and take action that reflects the will of our community. The core responsibility of a school board member is to put students and families first in every decision. That means listening to parents and educators, setting clear, results-driven priorities, and ensuring every tax dollar is invested where it has the greatest impact: the classroom. This role requires transparency, accountability, and the courage to make tough decisions that strengthen our schools, protect resources, support outstanding teachers, and keep Olentangy a place where every student can thrive and every family can be proud.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Why did the math book look so sad?

Because it had too many problems.

"In our schools, I will be the one to tackle the problems that matter to you. I will be your voice—raising your concerns, making sure the administration hears them, and taking action. Together, we can solve challenges with a focus on our children’s education, fiscal transparency, and smart decisions that keep Olentangy strong."

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Moms United for Education
Beyond formal endorsements, my campaign is fueled by parents across our district—especially those who feel their voices have not been heard—who have asked me to run so their priorities are represented and their concerns addressed. This is truly a community-driven campaign, built on the belief that together we can keep Olentangy strong and focused on what matters most: our children’s education.

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.

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