Kathleen Walsh

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Kathleen Walsh

Nonpartisan

Groveport-Madison Local School District school board At-large

Tenure

2020 - Present

Term ends

2027

Years in position

5

Report an officeholder change

Elections and appointments

Last elected

November 7, 2023

Military

Service / branch

U.S. Army

Personal

Birthplace

Columbus, Ohio

Religion

Catholic

Profession

Business owner

Contact

Campaign website

Kathleen Walsh is an at-large member of the Groveport-Madison Local School District school board in Ohio. She assumed office on January 1, 2020. Her current term ends on December 31, 2027.

Walsh ran for re-election for an at-large seat of the Groveport-Madison Local School District school board in Ohio. She won in the general election on November 7, 2023.

Walsh completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Kathleen Walsh was born in Columbus, Ohio. Walsh's professional experience includes working as a business owner. She served in the U.S. Army.

Walsh has been affiliated with Rotary and Columbus All-Breed Training.

Elections

2023

See also: Groveport-Madison Local School District, Ohio, elections (2023)

General election

General election for Groveport-Madison Local School District school board At-large (2 seats)

Incumbent Kathleen Walsh and John Kershner defeated Larry Carey and Benjamin Joof (Unofficially withdrew) in the general election for Groveport-Madison Local School District school board At-large on November 7, 2023.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Kathleen Walsh (Nonpartisan)	41.2	5,527
✔	Submit photo	John Kershner (Nonpartisan)	27.8	3,721
	Submit photo	Larry Carey (Nonpartisan)	21.1	2,826
	Submit photo	Benjamin Joof (Nonpartisan) (Unofficially withdrew)	9.9	1,326

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 13,400
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

Walsh received the following endorsements.

• Groveport Madison Communities United

2019

See also: Groveport-Madison Local School District, Ohio, elections (2019)

General election

General election for Groveport-Madison Local School District school board At-large (2 seats)

Kathleen Walsh and incumbent Chris Snyder defeated Seth Bower and Wayne Bryan in the general election for Groveport-Madison Local School District school board At-large on November 5, 2019.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Kathleen Walsh (Nonpartisan)	35.7	3,213
✔	Submit photo	Chris Snyder (Nonpartisan)	26.7	2,402
		Seth Bower (Nonpartisan)	22.0	1,983
	Submit photo	Wayne Bryan (Nonpartisan)	15.6	1,403

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source 1 Source 2	Total votes: 9,001
= 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

2023

Kathleen Walsh completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Walsh's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

During my first term on the board of education, I have worked hard to earn your trust and support. I will continue raising crucial questions at board meetings to create transparency, accessibility, and end rubber-stamping. I will keep pushing for cost-saving measures like internalizing transportation, providing student services at neighborhood schools, emphasizing fundamental education free of indoctrination, implementing tried-and-true security measures for safer campuses, and reducing costs associated with administration.

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?

• High expectation for district community, improve educational outcomes, fiscally responsible, safe secure neighborhood schools, curriculum without political indoctrination.
• While striving to encourage inclusion for all, we must be sure not to exclude others. It is critical to make the district accessible to the diverse needs and challenges of students, parents, and taxpayers. This will involve promoting cultural awareness, providing language support services, providing for the needs of the disabled, and fostering a curriculum without political indoctrination
• Improve financial efficiency. Two examples are eliminating outsourced services, bringing transportation in-house, and use currently owned property in densely populated areas to eliminate busing students in these areas.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Transparency, accessibility, and adherence to board policies that are currently in effect. As a board, we can do better. Addressing public complaints about district board of education meetings would be a good place to start. Inaccessibility due to poor or no sound and/or captioning; front-loading board meetings with district awards, achievements, and recognitions; holding executive sessions prior to discussing district business, and excessively long meetings lasting past midnight, are inefficient, lead to poor decision-making; make public involvement impossible and scream lack of transparency. One solution is to hold quarterly stand-alone meetings to bring the community together and celebrate our districts and individual triumphs. Visit www.BetterGMSchools.com for more information.

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

I look up to my youngest sister. In my book, she is a hero and exemplifies strength, courage, and determination. At a young age, she experienced an event that no one should endure, and yet she has managed to overcome it with grace and resilience. Her ability to face adversity head-on and maintain a positive outlook on life is truly inspiring. Despite the challenges she has faced, she continues to push herself and achieve remarkable accomplishments, proving that nothing can hold her back. 

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Characteristics and principles that I believe are important for an elected official are hard work, honesty, transparency, and integrity. These characteristics are crucial for an elected official, as they demonstrate a commitment to serving the public interest and maintaining trust.

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

In my first term on the Board of Education, I urged the board to improve school security. I appreciate the staff, students, and citizens who helped me sway other board members on security. It took way too long—nearly a year—and there is still much to do.
Change requires at least two like-minded board members. That is why I reached out to former BoE member John Kershner who shares many of my values and goals, including cutting costs by bringing transportation in-house, supporting neighborhood schools, fundamental learning without indoctrination, and tightening the budget. Together, John and I can create a stronger and more effective board that prioritizes the needs of students and educators. Elect Walsh & Kershner for Common Sense Solutions!

What legacy would you like to leave?

The legacy I would like to leave is that I have been an active contributor to my community. Improving the quality of our community members lives by having an accessible neighborhood school that excels in educating our students.

Additionally, I hope to be remembered for fostering a sense of unity and inclusivity within our community, where everyone feels valued and supported. Ultimately, my goal is to leave a lasting impact by creating a positive and thriving environment for future generations to thrive in.

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

The first historical event that I remember happening in my lifetime was the assassination of John F. Kennedy. I was not quite three, so I am surprised I remembered this event. My mom was shopping at Whitehall's on E. Main Street, and I was in the shopping cart seat. I remember hearing an in-store announcement, and my mom began crying. It is also the first time I remember my mom being so upset and crying.

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

I see my "first job" in stages of my life:

• My first paying job was as a paper girl for The Columbus Dispatch. I delivered newspapers daily to residents for three years, rain or shine. The experience taught me discipline, time management, and deadline reliability at an early age.
• During high school, I began working in the food industry, starting with Zantigo on S. Hamilton Road. In the food service industry, I developed strong multitasking skills, the ability to work efficiently under pressure, and enhanced my skills in providing excellent customer service and resolving any issues that may arise in a professional manner.
• As an adult, I joined the U.S. Army. During my time in the U.S. Army, I gained valuable skills such as teamwork, leadership, and adaptability. Serving in the military allowed me to develop a strong work ethic and a sense of duty towards my country. It was a transformative experience that shaped my character and prepared me for future challenges in life.
• After the service, I attended Columbus State Community College and joined the International Typographical Union apprenticeship program working at Ohio Printing Company. I was awarded my Journeyman Typesetter license in 1989. Education and hands-on experience improved my communication, problem-solving, and attention to detail abilities.
• Eventually, I co-owned a successful electrical contracting firm with my spouse in the construction industry. Cost estimate and project management are my strengths in construction. Multiple projects have been completed on schedule and under budget under my supervision. During this time, I attended OSU.

All my "firsts" in the work industry have prepared me to take on new challenges and responsibilities. I have a proven history of delivering high-quality results and meeting expectations. Overall, my combination of hands-on experience, strong work ethic, and continuous learning make me a valuable asset to any team.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I have many, but as I am now thinking about the education of my young family members, I am reminded of a book by Dr. Seuss, "Oh, the Places You'll Go! I have fond memories of reading this book to my children and grandchildren, reminding them that they can do anything and will do amazing things. I remember the joy I felt when they began reading this book to me on their own. My most treasured moments are those when my children and grandchildren began reading on their own.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Elona Homes or Clara Clayton

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Accessibility for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community in our district is my current struggle. As a member of this community, I can attest to the hardship of this constant battle. This struggle arises from the lack of resources and accommodations available to ensure equal opportunities for individuals with hearing impairments. It is disheartening to witness the barriers they face in accessing education, employment, and various public services.

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

The school board’s role is that it acts as the governance team and providing oversight of the school district. The school board is responsible for setting policies and making decisions that align with the educational goals and needs of the community. 

The school board is responsible for hiring and evaluating a superintendent and a treasurer, who are responsible for the day-to-day operations and financial management of the school district. Additionally, the school board plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency and accountability by regularly reviewing and approving budgets, monitoring academic performance, and engaging with stakeholders such as parents, teachers, and community members. 

Who are your constituents?

The constituents of Groveport Madison Local School Board of Education are the students, parents, communities members, taxpayers, business owner all stakeholders of Groveport Madison Local Schools.

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

While striving to encourage inclusion for all, we must be sure not to exclude others. It is critical to make the district accessible to the diverse needs and challenges of students, parents, and taxpayers. This will involve promoting cultural awareness, providing language support services, providing for the needs of the disabled, and fostering a curriculum without political indoctrination. Additionally, actively seeking feedback from students, parents, and community members can help identify areas for improvement and ensure that all populations feel heard and represented in the decision-making process. This feedback in decision-making can help our district create a more collaborative environment that addresses all stakeholders' needs.

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

I build relationships with members of the boarder community by attending conferences, webinars, and community events. These opportunities allow me to connect with individuals who share similar interests and goals, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual support. Additionally, I actively engage in online forums and social media groups dedicated to the border community, where I can exchange ideas and insights with a wider network of individuals passionate about our shared interests. 

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

Good teaching is characterized by effective communication, engagement, and the ability to inspire and motivate students. It involves creating a positive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and participating actively in the learning process. To measure good teaching, various methods can be employed, such as student evaluations, classroom observations, and assessments of student learning outcomes. These measures can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of teaching practices and help identify areas for improvement. Supporting advanced teaching approaches requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes providing our teaching staff with cutting-edge technology and resources, fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning environment, and offering professional development opportunities for our teachers. By implementing these strategies, our district can ensure that teachers have the necessary tools and support to excel in educating our students. Additionally, ongoing feedback and communication between teachers, students, and administrators can further enhance the effectiveness of advanced teaching approaches.

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?

Our district needs to expand basic education in math and science. Utilizing our unique ecosystem by having outdoor learning environments would be a great way to enhance the curriculum. Additionally, incorporating more project-based learning and hands-on experiments would provide students with practical skills and foster their critical thinking abilities.

Additionally, it is equally important for our district to eliminate any subject whose curriculum was built on political indoctrination. By removing any biased or politically-influenced content from the curriculum, we can ensure that students receive a well-rounded education that focuses on objective knowledge and skills. This will create a more inclusive and unbiased learning environment, allowing students to develop their own opinions and think critically about various subjects.

Tell us your favorite joke.

This joke brings me joy because it is a joke that my youngest sister used to tell my dad over and over again when she was like three years old. I can still hear him laughing at this joke as he always did, loud, long, and hard, making her feel so proud of herself. I am glad I have this memory of this laugh.

What's the tallest building in the world?

The library because it has so many stories.

lol

What existing district policies would you like to change, or what new policies would you like to implement?

I would follow the current board by-laws and policies now in place, for example, the bylaw regarding meeting minutes, by including "a summary of the deliberations sufficient enough for the public to understand the basis for the Board's actions."

In addition, I would address complaints by the public regarding our district's board of education meetings: inaccessibility of board meetings due to poor or no sound and/or captioning; front-loading board meetings with district awards, achievements, and recognitions; holding executive sessions prior to discussing district business; and excessively long meetings lasting past midnight are inefficient, lead to poor decision-making, make public involvement impossible, and scream lack of transparency.  One solution is to hold quarterly stand-alone meetings to bring the community together and celebrate our districts and individual triumphs. Visit www.BetterGMSchools.com to view more Common-Sense Solutions on ways to improve the accessibility and inclusiveness of GM board meetings and public events.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Committee to Election Walsh and Kershner
Groveport Madison Communities United

Describe your ideal learning environment for students.

My ideal learning environment is a school campus that is safe and secure, devoid of violence and prejudice, and free of political indoctrination, resulting in a more peaceful and encouraging learning atmosphere for all involved. Students and instructors are respectful of one another in this ideal learning environment, promoting a spirit of inclusion and cooperation. Furthermore, there is a great focus on open communication and the ability to voice other points of view, which promotes critical thinking and personal growth.

How do you feel like your school district handled the coronavirus pandemic? What, if anything, would you do differently in the future?

To ensure schools are properly funded, a multi-pronged approach is necessary. Firstly, being fiscally responsible with taxpayer dollars is crucial to ensuring that schools are properly funded. Being more financially efficient can help with this; a few examples include stopping the leasing of expensive, inefficient equipment and eliminating outsourced services; internalizing transportation; using already-owned property in densely populated areas for schools to reducing the number of students being bused in those areas.

Secondly, conduct regular audits to identify areas where funds can be allocated more efficiently. Additionally, exploring alternative sources of funding, such as partnerships with local businesses or seeking grants, can help supplement the school's budget and ensure adequate resources for education.

Thirdly, advocating for increased government investment in education is crucial. Engaging with policymakers and emphasizing the long-term advantages of well-funded schools, such as improved student outcomes and a stronger workforce, may help achieve this.

What will you do to build a relationship with parents in the district?

To build relationships with parents in the district, I will continue to be responsive to their questions, concerns, and feedback. Additionally, I will continue to be an active volunteer where I am available to support and engage with parents during school events and activities. 

What are your preferred strategies for faculty, staff, and administration recruitment?

The superintendent plays a crucial role in determining the preferred strategies for faculty, staff, and administrative recruitment. He is responsible for evaluating the needs of the district and identifying the most effective methods to attract and select qualified candidates. Additionally, the superintendent collaborates with relevant stakeholders to ensure that these strategies align with the overall goals and objectives of the district. 

As a board member, it is important to provide oversight, ensuring that the policies in place are followed. This includes regularly reviewing the superintendent's recruitment strategies and monitoring their implementation.  By fulfilling these responsibilities, board members contribute to maintaining a high-quality faculty, staff, and administrative team that supports the district's mission and vision. 

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.

Other survey responses

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

• League of Women Voters

2019

Kathleen Walsh did not complete Ballotpedia's 2019 Candidate Connection survey.

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