“As I move to the next phase of my life in real estate and contract work for a national non-profit, I do not have the time to commit to my position as a school board member,” Parks stated in the letter.
Attempts to contact Parks on Friday were unsuccessful.
Credit: Contributed
Credit: Contributed
Board President Toby Henderson said her decision wasn’t discussed with him, but he didn’t consider it unexpected.
“I know Lori’s been extremely busy over the last year. So, ultimately, it wasn’t a surprise certainly to me,” Henderson said.
Parks was elected to five, four-year terms starting in 2003 as Lori Simms, facing opposition in two races, according to Montgomery County Board of Elections records.
Parks’ letter cited her work as an original member of the Kettering Partners For Healthy Youth. It also noted National Blue Ribbon School designations awarded to the district and the community support to fund the construction of Trent Arena and Kettering Performing Arts Center.
“During my tenure … I am proud to say that I was a part of making Kettering City Schools a true destination district,” her letter stated.
Applications to replace Parks will be accepted until 3 p.m. Jan. 13. According to Ohio law, individuals serving on school boards must be:
● Residents of the school district;
● Registered voters in the school district;
● At least 18 years old.
The selected candidate to replace Parks will complete the remaining year of the term, with the expectation that they will run for election for a full four-year term in November 2023, according to the district.
All submitted applications will be reviewed by the board of education the week of January 16-20, with the goal of making an appointment Jan. 24, according to the district.
Applications can be obtained at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uTzxzGp7wrE4NzHSxRSw6kKv72OMtwT6/view.
They can be submitted to: Kettering Board of Education, c/o Kari Basson, Community Relations, Kettering City Schools, 580 Lincoln Park Blvd, Suite 105, Kettering, Ohio 45429.
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