Two new faces to join the Brecksville-Broadview Heights Board of Education

by Melissa Martin

Voters in Brecksville and Broadview Heights elected two new faces to fill two of the three seats up for the taking on the Brecksville-Broadview Heights Board of Education Nov. 7.

Joining them for a fourth term in office is current Board of Education President Mark Dosen, who voters elected with 4,497 votes (16.6%), according to unofficial results posted by the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections Nov. 8. Galek earned 4,932 votes (18.2%) while O’Mara grabbed 4,701 votes (17.4%).

The remaining four candidates who were defeated at the ballot box include Roger M. Bundy, 3,758 votes (13.9%); Eric Drexler, 2,651 (9.8%); Merri Gunzler, 2,332 (8.6%); and Samuel J. Lupica, 4,225 (15.6%).

Dosen, a retired information technology specialist, said he plans to ensure continued educational excellence in the most fiscally responsible and transparent way during his next term.

“First and foremost, our focus must always be on preparing our students for the road ahead. That is why I have consistently supported staff and program additions whenever data-driven metrics indicates they are warranted,” he said. “Fiscal discipline must always be balanced with the highest emphasis on educational outcomes. This has contributed to our long record of high rankings and recognition as one of the top districts in Northeast Ohio and Ohio as well. Along the way, board business should always be conducted in the most transparent manner to ensure public trust and board accountability.”

Though Lisa Galek and Eva O’Mara might be new additions to the board, both are very familiar with the community they have been elected to serve.

Galek, a writer and editor, has three children in the school district and has been a long-term volunteer for the district, collaborating extensively with teachers, administrators and elected officials on various district programs over the years.

Likewise, O’Mara is equally as recognizable to parents, administrators, staff and students after having served more than 30 years as a teacher in the district as well as principal at the former Highland Drive Elementary School for four years. ∞

Mark Dosen

Lisa Galek

Eva O’Mara