About the Board

A Board of Education is a legal entity for providing a system of public education within a geographic area of the State of Ohio. The system was created by, and is governed by, State statutes. Members of a Board are, therefore, State officers chosen by citizens to represent them and the State in the legislative management of the local schools. Board members as individuals do not separately possess the powers that reside in the Board of Education, except when and as expressly authorized by law or this Board.

Wyoming City Schools Board of Education Operating Protocols

Bylaws & Policies of the Board of Education

Role of the Board of Education

The Wyoming City Schools Board of Education sets educational goals; establishes policy; oversees the management of the district, including hiring and evaluating the superintendent and treasurer; serves as a body of financial stewards of the district; and serves as a link between the district and the public by maintaining two-way communications with the citizens of the district.

Board members as individuals do not separately possess the powers that reside in the Board of Education, except when and as expressly authorized by law or this Board. While serving as a member of the Wyoming City Schools Board of Education, each member is expected to agree to abide by the following code of ethics:

a Board member’s first and greatest concern must be the educational welfare of all students attending the public schools;
obey the laws of Ohio and the United States;
respect the confidentiality of privileged information;
recognize that individual Board members have no authority to speak or act for the Board;
work with other members to establish effective Board policies;
delegate authority for the administration of the schools to the Superintendent and staff;
encourage ongoing communications among Board members, the Board, students, staff, and the community;
render all decisions based on the available facts and independent judgment rather than succumbing to the influence of individuals or special interest groups;
become informed concerning the issues to be considered at each meeting;
improve boardsmanship by studying educational issues and by participating in in-service programs;
support the employment of staff members based on qualifications and not as a result of influence;
cooperate with other Board members and administrators to establish a system of regular and impartial evaluations of all staff;
avoid conflicts of interest or the appearance thereof;
refrain from using the Board position for personal gain for benefit of family members or business associates;
express personal opinions but, once the Board has acted, accept the will of the majority.

In addition, the Board of Education believes that each member should agree to work cooperatively and effectively with others and conform his/her behavior to the following code of conduct by collectively and individually agreeing to:

abide by the code of ethics promulgated by the Ohio School Boards Association;
act as an advocate for the Schools and for children;
set high expectations for the work of the Board;
keep the Board’s primary focus on the best interests of students;
strive sincerely to build better relationships with one another and the Superintendent;
set clear goals for the Superintendent;
support the Superintendent and help him/her to be as effective as possible;
prepare carefully before each meeting so that when each Board member has the floor, s/he can make comments that are concise, organized, and clear;
vote his/her individual convictions based on the available facts and his/her independent judgment and refrain from surrendering his/her judgment to particular individuals or groups;
devote sufficient time, thought, and study to proposed actions;
become well versed in parliamentary procedure;
listen carefully and with courtesy when other people have the floor and are speaking during Board meetings;
refuse to become involved with micromanagement;
emphasize planning, policymaking, and public relations rather than becoming involved in management of the schools;
establish clear goals for the District and ensure that the community is aware of these goals;
keep abreast of current educational issues within the District, throughout the State, and across the nation;
establish fair and equitable terms and conditions of employment and evaluation of all staff; and
select sound instructional strategies and materials and submit them to regular and impartial evaluations.

Role of the School Board - Ohio School Board Association

Meet the Board

Board President Jeanie Zoller

A smiling woman with short, light-colored hair wearing a blue jacket stands in front of a plain, light-colored background. — Ms. Zoller serves on the District Leadership Team and the City-School Joint Commission. She is the board's State Legislative Liaison and the liaison to the Wyoming School Foundation.

Ms. Zoller has served on the Wyoming City Schools Board of Education since January 2012. Her current term expires in December 2027.

**Contact Information**:

zollerje@wyomingcityschools.org

Board Vice President Illya Thomas

A smiling man wearing a navy blue suit jacket and a checkered blue and white shirt stands in front of a plain light-colored background. — Mr. Thomas serves on the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC), the Finance Committee, and the City-School Joint Commission. He is the Ohio School Board Association Alternate for Wyoming City Schools.

Mr. Thomas has served on the Wyoming City Schools Board of Education since April 2018. His current term expires in December 2027.

**Contact Information**:

thomasi@wyomingcityschools.org

Board Member Justin Belarski

A smiling man in a gray suit and blue tie stands against a neutral background. — Mr. Belarski serves on the Facilities Committee and the Policy Committee. He is the Ohio School Board Association Delegate for Wyoming City Schools and the liaison to the Parent School Association (PSA).

Mr. Belarski has served on the Wyoming City Schools Board of Education since January 2026. His current term expires in December 2030.

**Contact Information**:

belarskij@wyomingcityschools.org

Board Member Nathan Lee

A middle-aged man with glasses and a beard, wearing a suit and tie, is smiling at the camera against a plain background. — Mr. Lee serves on the Finance Committee and the Policy Committee. He is the liaison to the Wyoming Athletic Boosters.

Mr. Lee has served on the Wyoming City Schools Board of Education since January 2026. His current term expires in December 2030.

**Contact Information**:

leen@wyomingcityschools.org

Board Member Scott Spera

The image shows a middle-aged man with gray hair and glasses, wearing a green sweater, and smiling at the camera. — Mr. Spera serves on the Belonging and Inclusion Collaborative and Facilities Committee. He is the liaison to the Wyoming School Music Association.

Mr. Spera has served on the Wyoming City Schools Board of Education since January 2026. His current term expires in December 2030.

**Contact Information**:

speras@wyomingcityschools.org