THE GENERAL ELECTION IS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2025.
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Stow Collaboration for Change strongly endorses Kathrine Dannemiller for the Stow-Munroe Falls Board of Education (SMF BoE). Born and raised in Stow, Ohio, Kathrine is a fierce advocate for children’s education and wellbeing. Kathrine, who served as a English/Language Arts teacher for many years, as well as a coach for the Speech and Debate Team, is currently self employed in the mental health field, with her services focusing on children and adolescents. We had the opportunity to connect with Kathrine to discuss her experience, campaign, and stance on important issues.
Follow Kathrine’s campaign on Facebook at Dannemiller for Board of Education. You can donate to Kathrine’s campaign at kdannemiller.wixsite.com/dannemiller4boe/donate-here. Interested in volunteering? Sign up here or email dannemillerforboardofeducation@gmail.com!
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Introduce Yourself
Why did you decide to run for the Board of Education (BoE)?
I’m running because our kids deserve leaders who will fight for them—not political agendas. As a lifelong Stow resident, former teacher, and someone who’s spent years working directly with students and families, I know what’s at stake. I will always put students first, listen to our community, and protect the safe, inclusive, high-quality education every child deserves. This race is about the future of our schools, and I’m ready to do the work.
What are your priorities, if you are elected?
If elected to the Board of Education, my primary focus will be on strengthening our schools by investing in our students, empowering our educators, and ensuring our resources are used wisely and transparently. Strong schools are the foundation of strong communities, and Stow and Munroe Falls deserve nothing less.
First, I want to ensure that every student has access to the tools and support they need to succeed, regardless of their background or learning style. This means advocating for targeted support services, promoting equity throughout the district, and creating school environments that prioritize not just academics, but also emotional and social well-being. By nurturing the whole child, we create the conditions for long-term growth and confidence.
Second, I am committed to supporting our educators. Our teachers and staff are the heart of our schools, and they deserve to feel valued, respected, and equipped. I will champion ongoing professional development, advocate for policies that foster a positive school culture, and work to ensure that our educators have a voice in decision-making processes.
Third, I will advocate for fiscal responsibility and transparency. Taxpayer dollars must be used effectively to support what matters most: classroom instruction, student learning, and educator support. I believe in long-term planning and budgeting that reflect both the district’s strategic goals and the values of the community. Families deserve to know how their money is being spent and to trust that it is contributing to student success.
Finally, I want to build on the progress we have already made. This isn’t about starting over; it’s about moving forward with intention and compassion. As a graduate of SMFHS and someone who has worked within the district, I bring a unique perspective. I understand the challenges and opportunities, and I want to contribute to creating lasting, student-centered change.
Ultimately, I aim to ensure that our schools remain places where all students feel seen, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential—where they are not only prepared for the future but also empowered to shape it.
What should voters know about your background and qualifications? What makes you a good fit for this role?
As a graduate of Stow-Munroe Falls City Schools, I understand how a strong and inclusive school system can change lives. This district shaped who I am, and I want to give back by ensuring that today’s students have the same opportunities regardless of their background or circumstances.
Working in this district and others has shown me both the successes and challenges in our schools. I’ve seen positive results when students get the resources they need, teachers receive support, and families participate in education. On the other hand, I’ve also noticed negative outcomes when school leaders lose touch with those they serve, especially when ideology overshadows the real needs of students and staff.
As a mental health counselor, I focus on putting students first. I understand how mental health affects academic success, and I will advocate for schools that support the whole child. This includes emotional support, safety, and a sense of belonging. It’s especially important now, as some seek to silence student identities, limit access to diverse materials, and politicize classrooms. I oppose these efforts. I believe schools should be safe spaces where all students feel valued.
My experience as a speech and debate coach has strengthened my belief in free expression and civic engagement. I help young people think critically, engage in respectful debates, and advocate for themselves—skills that are vital for both education and democracy. I will bring these values to the Board by promoting open communication and collaboration. I will ensure policies reflect the experiences of all families, not just those who shout the loudest.
I am running for office because I believe our schools should show the diversity and compassion of the world our students are preparing to lead. This means advocating for inclusive curricula, supporting teachers, and making sure no child is overlooked due to political pressure. It means governing transparently, listening carefully, and prioritizing the voices of those affected by our decisions.
In your opinion, what are the most important aspects of being a member of the BoE?
The most important responsibilities of serving on the Board of Education include protecting the integrity of public education, ensuring that all students have equitable access to resources, and making decisions based on facts, transparency, and the best interests of our community. This means standing firmly against censorship in our classrooms and libraries, as students deserve access to diverse perspectives and the freedom to think critically. It also involves opposing efforts to defund or privatize public schools, which undermines our ability to serve every child. Additionally, it requires rejecting divisive political agendas that aim to restrict curriculum, silence educators, and erode trust in our schools.
A Board member must advocate for teachers, collaborate with families, and listen to the community, always prioritizing the goal of preparing our students to be informed, compassionate, and engaged citizens.
What are the most important things the Board needs to be focused on?
I believe that the Board’s top priorities should be rebuilding trust among the community, faculty, and staff, and ensuring the maintenance of a balanced budget. Trust can be rebuilt through open communication, transparency in decision-making, and active engagement with all stakeholders.
In addition to financial stability, we must prioritize updating our facilities to enhance the learning and working environment. This could involve both renovating existing structures to meet modern educational standards and constructing new facilities that accommodate the growing needs of our students and staff.
Furthermore, the incoming Board will take on the critical responsibility of developing the district’s next Strategic Plan. This plan will shape the district’s direction for the next several years and should be designed with a student-centered approach. It must also actively consider the needs and well-being of faculty and staff while ensuring that all initiatives are fiscally responsible and sustainable. In doing so, we can create a robust educational framework that benefits everyone involved.
What challenges do you foresee and how do you plan to meet them?
As a board member, I anticipate ongoing challenges after election day in a landscape with diverse and sometimes divisive visions for our schools. I will ground my approach in truth, transparency, and the commitment to serve all students.
I expect to face resistance to change as I introduce new perspectives, especially as a young woman. To address this, I will use data, share my experiences, and promote collaboration, demonstrating how fresh ideas can improve our schools.
Misinformation will likely persist, and I plan to tackle it through open communication about board decisions and their reasoning. Listening to students, families, and educators will be vital to ensure our policies reflect today’s classroom realities.
My guiding principle remains clear: every child deserves a safe, inclusive, high-quality education, and I am eager to work toward that mission.
How do you imagine a better Stow-Munroe Falls? What does this look like for students, faculty, staff — and the greater community?
I envision a Stow-Munroe Falls where our schools truly reflect the best of our community; where every student, educator, and staff member feels safe, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential. In this future, our district actively practices anti-racism, embraces inclusion, and celebrates diversity as a strength rather than a challenge to overcome.
Our facilities will be designed for 21st-century learning, featuring spaces that spark curiosity and innovation. Classrooms will be equipped with the tools students need to collaborate, create, and think critically about the world around them. Every student, regardless of background, identity, or ability, will have equitable access to the resources and opportunities that prepare them for college, careers, and civic life.
For faculty and staff, this means a district that invests in their growth, respects their expertise, and provides the professional support necessary for them to excel in their roles. For the broader community, it signifies strong, vibrant public schools that reflect our shared values and serve as a hub for connection, opportunity, and pride.
That is the Stow-Munroe Falls I am committed to building because when our schools thrive, our entire community thrives.
Policy & Important Issues
District policies, like the antiracism policy, and DEI initiatives, like the DEI Committee, have been suspended in the past year due to Trump’s Executive Order. How do you plan to uphold a commitment to an equitable, anti-racist, and inclusive environment in the district?
While our district may not be as racially diverse as some others, we recognize that we still face systemic inequities that deserve our attention. I have had meaningful conversations with families of color who have expressed feelings of exclusion and invisibility within our school community. We must address issues such as subtle biases in discipline, the need for greater representation in our curriculum, and the importance of uplifting diverse voices.
As a Board member, I am dedicated to promoting culturally responsive teaching practices across all classrooms and will advocate for equity-focused professional development for our staff. It is essential that our curriculum reflect a rich tapestry of voices and histories. Additionally, I will support recruitment and retention strategies aimed at diversifying our staff and work toward establishing transparent systems to monitor and address disparities in student discipline and achievement.
Though we have made important strides, such as the appointment of a Black superintendent, it is concerning to witness an increase in racist rhetoric and harassment in our community. I believe we must strengthen our reporting systems for bias incidents, ensure accountability for those who cause harm, and cultivate a district-wide culture where all students and staff feel safe and valued.
Equity should be more than just a written commitment; it requires ongoing effort and practice. I am committed to taking the necessary steps to create an environment in our schools where every child can thrive, regardless of their race, background, or identity. Together, we can foster a community that embraces diversity and promotes equity for all.
Why is it important for BoE members to support mental health initiatives and anti-bullying policies? How do you plan to support mental health initiatives and anti-bullying policies if elected?
Supporting mental health initiatives and robust anti-bullying policies is crucial for fostering an inclusive school environment where every student can thrive. As an educator and mental health counselor, I’ve seen how mental health challenges and discrimination can hinder students, especially those from marginalized groups like LGBTQIA+, gender-diverse individuals, immigrants, and students of color.
I am dedicated to advocating for racial justice, LGBTQIA+ rights, gender equality, and the inclusion of immigrants in our schools. If elected, I will ensure all schools have mental health professionals, implement staff training on trauma-informed practices, and collaborate with community organizations for essential services. I will also strengthen anti-bullying policies to address harassment based on race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, and immigration status.
Every student deserves to feel safe and supported in school. As a Board member, I will work to turn our commitments to mental health and anti-bullying into tangible actions in classrooms and hallways throughout our district.
The Board of Education passed a Pride Month Resolution in 2022. How do you plan to honor, uphold, and even expand the commitments outlined in that resolution?
I am committed to honoring and expanding the goals established in the 2022 Pride Month Resolution by ensuring that LGBTQIA+ students, staff, and families feel visible, valued, and protected every day of the year—not just in June. This involves actively supporting policies and practices that create affirming environments, integrating LGBTQIA+ representation into the curriculum, and strengthening anti-bullying measures to address harassment based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
These commitments are not mere campaign slogans; they are guiding principles rooted in my personal and professional life. As both an educator and a mental health counselor, I have worked directly with LGBTQIA+ and gender-diverse students and their families. I understand the barriers they face in schools, from a lack of representation to outright hostility, and I have dedicated my career to breaking down these barriers.
In today’s climate, where far-right groups are promoting anti-LGBTQ+ agendas, censoring curricula, and undermining inclusive education, we need Board members who will stand firm. I will work to ensure our district continues to lead with equity and inclusion by protecting existing DEI initiatives, expanding support for student-led LGBTQIA+ organizations, and ensuring that our policies reflect the dignity and rights of every student. I am proud to be a progressive voice—driven by values, shaped by experience, and dedicated to action.
Today’s climate presents increasing challenges for vulnerable student populations. How will you advocate for and support students of color, LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and other marginalized groups?
Every student in our district deserves to feel safe, seen, and supported. This includes students of color, LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and any other group that has been marginalized or overlooked.
For me, this means protecting inclusive policies and curricula that reflect the diversity of our community and validate the identities of all students. It also means ensuring that every student has equitable access to the resources they need, whether that’s academic support, mental health services, or opportunities to participate in extracurricular programs.
I believe it is especially important to listen to students directly and to ensure their voices are included in discussions when decisions are being made. I want to collaborate closely with educators to expand training in cultural competency, anti-bias practices, and trauma-informed care. I will always speak out against discrimination and harassment because hate has no place in our schools.
This effort isn’t just about protecting certain groups; it’s about ensuring that public education truly serves all students.
With public education funding facing threats at both the state and federal levels, how will you face these attacks and advocate for fair and adequate public school funding?
Public education is the foundation of a strong community, and I will fight against any efforts to defund, privatize, or divert resources away from our schools. Adequate funding is essential to achieving equity for every student.
If elected, I will advocate at the local, state, and federal levels for fair school funding formulas that prioritize need, ensure competitive salaries for educators, and fully support mental health services, special education, and extracurricular activities. I will work to build coalitions with parents, educators, and community leaders to resist harmful legislation. Additionally, I will demand transparency and accountability in how funds are allocated. Our students deserve well-resourced schools, and I will not compromise on their right to the tools, opportunities, and support they need to succeed.
Furthermore, I will fight against district deficit spending and work to ensure that our school district continues to operate in the black.
Public education is under real and sustained attack right now, and pretending that isn’t happening only makes our schools more vulnerable. For me, it starts with staying rooted in truth, transparency, and always centering decisions on what’s best for students.
In practice, that means a few things. First, I’m ready to resist political agendas that try to restrict what students can learn, erase marginalized voices, or undermine trust in our teachers. I also believe in communicating openly and consistently with families so they understand not just what decisions are being made but why.
I aim to unite students, parents, educators, and community leaders around policies that enhance our schools. That includes advocating for equitable funding, ensuring every student has access to the same high-quality opportunities, and protecting teacher autonomy so classrooms remain spaces for real learning, not political theater.
If we stay focused on what’s best for kids and refuse to get pulled into fear-driven narratives, we can protect the integrity of public education and ensure it serves every child.
Public schools should be spaces where all students feel safe, respected, and free from outside influence that seeks to impose particular religious beliefs. I share parents’ concerns about legal loopholes being exploited by outside organizations to access students during the school day. These practices risk undermining the separation of church and state and the trust families place in our schools.
If elected, I will work to review and strengthen district policies governing outside access to students during instructional hours. This includes closing loopholes that allow religious organizations to use school time or resources to target students while protecting students’ rights to voluntary religious expression outside of instructional time. I will also push for clear communication with parents about all external programs, ensure complete transparency in partnerships, and require that any approved programming meet strict educational and non-discriminatory standards.
Our district’s responsibility is to protect students’ well-being, safeguard instructional time, and honor the diverse beliefs of all families in our community. I will ensure that this commitment is reflected in both policy and practice.
Do you support continued student representation on the BoE? Why or why not?
I firmly believe that student representation on the Board is absolutely essential. Including students provides invaluable insights that are critical for addressing the real needs and concerns of the student body we serve. The student representative plays a pivotal role in gathering feedback from peers, ensuring their voices resonate within the decision-making process. This direct involvement not only allows the representative to influence policy development but also guarantees that the Board fully considers the implications of its decisions on students. By having a strong and dedicated student voice, we can foster a more inclusive and effective governance structure that authentically reflects the diverse experiences and needs of every student.
Some people in the community feel that members of the BoE should be completely non-partisan. What are your thoughts on this?
In an ideal scenario, school boards would function entirely without the pressures and influences of political agendas. However, as long as political parties view public education as a strategic tool to further their own objectives, it is unrealistic to expect school boards to operate entirely free from partisanship. The stark reality is that substantial differences exist between political parties regarding their commitment to supporting or undermining public education initiatives.
To safeguard our educational institutions, it is imperative that we elect leaders who are genuinely dedicated to advocating for pro-public education policies. These leaders must prioritize funding, equitable resource distribution, and inclusive curriculum development that serves the diverse needs of all students, regardless of their backgrounds. My unwavering commitment lies in championing policies and making decisions that not only strengthen our schools but also ensure that every student has access to a high-quality education that prepares them for the future. By fostering a collaborative environment among stakeholders—teachers, parents, administrators, and community members—we can drive meaningful change that truly benefits our education system.
Final word: why should people give you their vote?
You should give me your vote because I will always put students first. I’m running to protect and strengthen our public schools so every child has access to a safe, inclusive, high-quality education. I bring the perspective of a lifelong Stow resident, a former teacher, and someone who has worked directly with students, educators, and families for years.
I’m rooted in this community and accountable to the people who live here. I’ll listen, be transparent, and work tirelessly to ensure our schools serve all families. This election isn’t just about seats on a board—it’s about the future of our kids, and I’m ready to fight for it.