The school board election results are in, and students and teachers are looking towards the future.

On Tuesday November 2, when Chagrin residents traveled to the polls to cast their votes, they faced a dilemma that would help decide the new direction for their town’s schools. 

The votes were counted and Robert Schlepper, Lauren Miller, and Lori Bendall claimed victory and joined the board. The three winners all promised to bring inclusion and opportunity to all students, along with maintaining the curriculums of teachers that some considered inappropriate. 

Many residents believe that the election might have been the most important school board election in Chagrin to date, with so many parents, students, and teachers getting involved and campaigning and encouraging voting. 

“I’m glad that more awareness was brought to the importance of the school board election,” said English teacher Mrs. Stefanie Ashkettle. “It’s very exciting for Chagrin’s future.” 

The losing candidates Erin Gooch, Mandy Hilston, and  Meghan McClain ran together and claimed books with inappropriate content should not be taught.There were large amounts of controversy surrounding the book “57 Bus” and other books that were taught at Chagrin.

With the win, teachers can continue to teach all current Board-approved books. 

“As an English teacher who’s taught for over 20 years, we have always been allowed to teach any book we choose,” Mrs Ashkettle added. “I’m happy we can continue to do so.”  

Along with maintaining important books, teachers will have the opportunity to include new lessons and create new programs for students that will continue to build up Chagrin’s academic cachet.

“Academic experiences will continue to be as strong as they always have been, the elects clearly want to continue Chagrin’s academic excellence,” Mrs. Ashkettle added.

With the increased awareness, these changes were even brought to the attention of Chagrin students. 

“I’m interested to see if there will be curriculum changes and how lessons will be different,” said junior Abi Johnson, who hopes to grow as a student with new policies the school board plans to include. 

Students were nervous about the outcomes, but junior Maya Sutte was relieved. 

“I’m happy with how the election turned out,” she said.

Some students don’t know much about the election.

“I’m not sure how this will impact Chagrin, but I’m excited to learn more,” explained junior Kate Bartlett. 

This election could also lead to the possibility of the implementation of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and injustice (DEIJ) committee, which will help Chagrin develop curriculums that will teach students about important issues involving these topics. 

The Chagrin community now enters a new chapter of change, inclusion, and unity that students and teachers alike should look forward to.

 “I’m excited to see what they have in store for students at Chagrin,” Sutte added about the new members.