Episode Details

For the first time in recent memory, the Hilliard City Schools Board of Education race is uncontested. Candidates Kara Crowley (incumbent board president), Tony Moog, and Sarah Byler joined the Beacon to reflect on what that means, and where the district is headed.

All three emphasized the heavy commitment that board service requires. Time, resilience, and the ability to absorb criticism while keeping focus on kids and educators were all mentioned as critical elements of a successful candidacy and term. Despite running unopposed, each is still knocking doors, holding events, and meeting residents.

Each candidate’s web presence can be accessed by clicking the underlined text in the paragraphs below.

Crowley described her perspective as both a candidate and teacher in neighboring South-Western City Schools, pointing to Hilliard’s strong performance on state report cards, particularly in “value added” student growth. She stressed the district’s long-term commitment plans and the centerpiece “portrait of a learner” as a north star, keeping focus on preparing kids for their tomorrow whether that means college, career, or trades.

Moog, coming off a loss in a city council primary, admitted it was difficult to turn toward another campaign, but said his motivation is service, not politics. He noted the new board will disagree, but do so respectfully. He said he hopes to focus his efforts in ensuring equity across Hilliard’s varied socioeconomic neighborhoods and being accessible to residents.

Byler, a longtime PTO leader and levy campaign organizer, emphasized community connections. She recalled scheduling over 70 levy-related conversations with residents for the district effort, which she felt built necessary trust and transparency. She wants the board to maintain calm and stability even amid state and national level education upheaval. A primary theme of her campaign materials has been access, striving to ensure residents feel heard and included.

Given Kara’s experience and the unopposed nature of the race, topics ranged widely:

* Community input & engagement: All three support more proactive communication beyond levy cycles, from farmer’s market tents to informal coffees and more formal evolutions of existing systems for bringing residents together.

* Facilities & redistricting: Construction is driven not by enrollment growth, Crowley clarified, (with forecasts remaining flat) but by aging buildings and feeder pattern cleanup. These patterns dictate how students move through their education in Hilliard districts. Any further necessary redistricting will follow community committee recommendations.

* Religious release programs (LifeWise): The candidates agreed all similar programs must not disrupt core classes including arts and gym, while background checks and safeguards are considered highly desirable future checkpoints for any provider looking to guarantee responsible growth of the program.

* Subtle shift to preparing students for *their* tomorrow: From trade fairs to internship programs, the district is expanding pathways beyond traditional college, guided by the portrait of a learner.

The trio shared a consistent message: even without electoral competition this cycle, they view their campaigns as a chance to listen and stay connected. They framed the co