School Based Decision Making Council (SBDM)
What is SDBM?
School-Based Decision Making (SBDM) Councils create school policies and make a wide range of decisions, from selecting textbooks to hiring new administrators and teachers. Beechwood has two councils (one for elementary and one for high school). Each council includes teacher representatives, parent representatives, and an administrator.
Open Positions:
Voting:
School-Based Decision Making (SBDM) Councils create school policies and make a wide range of decisions, from selecting textbooks to hiring new administrators and teachers. Beechwood has two councils (one for elementary and one for high school). Each council includes teacher representatives, parent representatives, and an administrator.
Open Positions:
- Elementary representative (2-year term) - 1 open position for the 2023 - 2024 and 2024 - 2025 school years
Voting:
- Voting will be done in person on Thursday, May 11, 2023 in the elementary lobby for both the elementary and high school elections. Voting will be open from 7:30-8:30am and 5-7pm.
- You must show your driver's license when checking in to vote.
- All elementary families can vote in the elementary election if they will have a student in the elementary school next school year. All high school families can vote in the high school election if they will have a student in the high school next school year.
- Each person may only vote one time. If you will have children in the elementary and high school next school year, you can vote once in the elementary election and once in the high school election.
- To vote in this election, you must be the parent, step-parent, or legal guardian of a child who will attend Beechwood for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year.
SBDM Elementary Nominees
For this upcoming election, there are four elementary candidates competing for ONE open position that will serve for the 2023 - 2024 and 2024 - 2025 school years. The elementary representative will serve a two-year term, Please read below from the nominees themselves.
Remember to vote on Thursday, 5/11!
For this upcoming election, there are four elementary candidates competing for ONE open position that will serve for the 2023 - 2024 and 2024 - 2025 school years. The elementary representative will serve a two-year term, Please read below from the nominees themselves.
Remember to vote on Thursday, 5/11!
Jonathan Fong
Background:
I was born and raised in Sacramento, California, and my parents were both the first in their families to attend college and get their degrees. Education was always emphasized as a foundation for success and I attended public schools and graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a business degree. After graduating college I lived in Orange County and San Francisco and then moved to Cincinnati in 1999 to work for Fidelity Investments. I didn't plan on staying here long-term, but met my future wife, got married, and settled down in Fort Mitchell 13+ years ago. My wife and I have a son, CJ, who is in 4th grade this year at Beechwood, and a big reason why we live in Ft Mitchell is the quality of our schools.
Career Experience:
I am a financial services professional, specializing in workplace benefits such as 401(k), employer stock, and financial wellness plans, and have worked for Fidelity Investments, Wells Fargo Bank, and Merrill Lynch. I've had roles in management, competitive intelligence, communications & education, and client services.
Beechwood and Community Activities:
Currently I serve as the SDBM minority parent representative and this is the first year I have done that. Also, I help weekly with the Rook N Roar chess club, and volunteer at class parties and field trips when selected. My family hosted a Spanish exchange student at Beechwood in 2019 and we currently volunteer at Isaiah House, Be Concerned and Crossroads Church.
Qualifications - Summary:
As a current SDBM parent rep, I participate actively in SDBM council meetings and utilize my experience in strategic decision-making and education to help the group make decisions and understand the point of view of Beechwood parents. I am willing and able to serve on the SBDM again and you can contact me directly with any questions.
Thank you, Jonathan Fong (jonathan_fong@yahoo.com)
Background:
I was born and raised in Sacramento, California, and my parents were both the first in their families to attend college and get their degrees. Education was always emphasized as a foundation for success and I attended public schools and graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a business degree. After graduating college I lived in Orange County and San Francisco and then moved to Cincinnati in 1999 to work for Fidelity Investments. I didn't plan on staying here long-term, but met my future wife, got married, and settled down in Fort Mitchell 13+ years ago. My wife and I have a son, CJ, who is in 4th grade this year at Beechwood, and a big reason why we live in Ft Mitchell is the quality of our schools.
Career Experience:
I am a financial services professional, specializing in workplace benefits such as 401(k), employer stock, and financial wellness plans, and have worked for Fidelity Investments, Wells Fargo Bank, and Merrill Lynch. I've had roles in management, competitive intelligence, communications & education, and client services.
Beechwood and Community Activities:
Currently I serve as the SDBM minority parent representative and this is the first year I have done that. Also, I help weekly with the Rook N Roar chess club, and volunteer at class parties and field trips when selected. My family hosted a Spanish exchange student at Beechwood in 2019 and we currently volunteer at Isaiah House, Be Concerned and Crossroads Church.
Qualifications - Summary:
As a current SDBM parent rep, I participate actively in SDBM council meetings and utilize my experience in strategic decision-making and education to help the group make decisions and understand the point of view of Beechwood parents. I am willing and able to serve on the SBDM again and you can contact me directly with any questions.
Thank you, Jonathan Fong (jonathan_fong@yahoo.com)
Jenn Greber
Every SBDM member past and present will have a passion for the tradition, outstanding education and community that encompasses Beechwood. Many of us bring great experience and expertise, all wanting what is best for our students and staff. I too bring passion and experience, so, who am I and why should you consider me?
Local-ish Girl - like any native Cincinnatian, I'll start with my where I went High School. I grew up in Colerain, attending Colerain High School, which is where I met my husband, Adam. Yes, high school sweethearts, our individual crushes unified at a formal to the tune of Tootsie Roll, for all you 90's kids (we know, go ahead and gag). Like many west-siders, football, church festivals and grandparents as neighbors was my way of life. I graduated from Miami University with a Marketing Degree and accepted a job that kept us local. So, how did two Ohio, west-siders decide to set down roots in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky? The school and the community - best of both worlds and exactly what we were searching for.
The A-Team - a nickname for our three kids, Abe (7th grade), Aida (4th grade) and Adler (2nd grade). Football, basketball, soccer, cross-country and baseball make up their schedules an our 'social' calendar. They are an adventurous and active bunch. When not playing sports, you'll find them biking the neighborhood, or spending their summer days at the swim club. Their individual personalities come with individual learning styles and educational needs. This will model my approach to ensure decisions made by the SBDM council will positively impact all the students, teachers, and staff.
We are Beechwood - the variety of ways you can be involved with the school is impressive. Over the years I've been the PTSA Vice President, coached Elementary Girls Basketball and recently joined the Elementary Cross-Country Team as a Coach this past fall. The experience I bring to SBDM is first-hand knowledge of what Beechwood's extra-circulars provide kids. Expanding interests, achieving goals as a team, and fostering new friendships while learning importance of how their behavior represents Beechwood.
Career Day Like many of you, my kids have no idea what I actually do in my working day. They think I make groceries and commercials. Kinda....in reality, 15 years with Kroger, I've spent my career in Marketing and Marketing Operations. With an operational mindset, I have a natural curiosity to understand how things work and the domino affect decisions have on teams. The expertise I bring to SBDM is having a deep understanding of how to integrate and implement new ideas and projects, operating within constraints of defined budgets, resources, and technology.
Fun Facts - the fun stuff that tells you a lot about a person. Strong coffee every morning is a must, chocolate and ice cream are my favorite food groups, running is my quiet-time and therapy. I'm always on the hunt for a new brewery, I hate bananas, love comfy sweaters, I prefer sand over snow and am always up for a new adventure.
With a quick view into me, my family, and my experience, I humbly ask for your vote as the Elementary SBDM Parent Representative.
Every SBDM member past and present will have a passion for the tradition, outstanding education and community that encompasses Beechwood. Many of us bring great experience and expertise, all wanting what is best for our students and staff. I too bring passion and experience, so, who am I and why should you consider me?
Local-ish Girl - like any native Cincinnatian, I'll start with my where I went High School. I grew up in Colerain, attending Colerain High School, which is where I met my husband, Adam. Yes, high school sweethearts, our individual crushes unified at a formal to the tune of Tootsie Roll, for all you 90's kids (we know, go ahead and gag). Like many west-siders, football, church festivals and grandparents as neighbors was my way of life. I graduated from Miami University with a Marketing Degree and accepted a job that kept us local. So, how did two Ohio, west-siders decide to set down roots in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky? The school and the community - best of both worlds and exactly what we were searching for.
The A-Team - a nickname for our three kids, Abe (7th grade), Aida (4th grade) and Adler (2nd grade). Football, basketball, soccer, cross-country and baseball make up their schedules an our 'social' calendar. They are an adventurous and active bunch. When not playing sports, you'll find them biking the neighborhood, or spending their summer days at the swim club. Their individual personalities come with individual learning styles and educational needs. This will model my approach to ensure decisions made by the SBDM council will positively impact all the students, teachers, and staff.
We are Beechwood - the variety of ways you can be involved with the school is impressive. Over the years I've been the PTSA Vice President, coached Elementary Girls Basketball and recently joined the Elementary Cross-Country Team as a Coach this past fall. The experience I bring to SBDM is first-hand knowledge of what Beechwood's extra-circulars provide kids. Expanding interests, achieving goals as a team, and fostering new friendships while learning importance of how their behavior represents Beechwood.
Career Day Like many of you, my kids have no idea what I actually do in my working day. They think I make groceries and commercials. Kinda....in reality, 15 years with Kroger, I've spent my career in Marketing and Marketing Operations. With an operational mindset, I have a natural curiosity to understand how things work and the domino affect decisions have on teams. The expertise I bring to SBDM is having a deep understanding of how to integrate and implement new ideas and projects, operating within constraints of defined budgets, resources, and technology.
Fun Facts - the fun stuff that tells you a lot about a person. Strong coffee every morning is a must, chocolate and ice cream are my favorite food groups, running is my quiet-time and therapy. I'm always on the hunt for a new brewery, I hate bananas, love comfy sweaters, I prefer sand over snow and am always up for a new adventure.
With a quick view into me, my family, and my experience, I humbly ask for your vote as the Elementary SBDM Parent Representative.
Chris Korba
I am Chris Korba. I am a husband & father. My son (CJ) is in First Grade, my Daughter (Caroline) is in Kindergarten, & my youngest (Lucas) is at Redwood. I am currently a Financial & Accounting Controller for Jolly Plumbing Drains Heating & Air. I am helping to scale & grow the company, while also being focused on many of the traditional finance & accounting tasks such as Payables, Receivables, Payroll, Forecasting, etc. Before Jolly, I worked for a local home builder, a manufacturing company, and spent 5 years in public accounting with a focus on tax & audit. It was in public accounting, where I spent three years working on local school board audits for many districts in the Northern Kentucky area.
I attend school board meetings regularly and am always looking for a way to be involved and contribute to the ever improving & growing Beechwood Independent School District. At the heart of it, my decision to run for SBDM is simple, I want to take an active role in our school and be voice for my friends, neighbors, and our community. I want to lend my talents and leverage my relationships to contribute to the future success of Beechwood. I graciously ask for your vote and I look forward to contributing to the continued success of Beechwood and Fort Mitchell.
Kind regards,
Chris Korba
I am Chris Korba. I am a husband & father. My son (CJ) is in First Grade, my Daughter (Caroline) is in Kindergarten, & my youngest (Lucas) is at Redwood. I am currently a Financial & Accounting Controller for Jolly Plumbing Drains Heating & Air. I am helping to scale & grow the company, while also being focused on many of the traditional finance & accounting tasks such as Payables, Receivables, Payroll, Forecasting, etc. Before Jolly, I worked for a local home builder, a manufacturing company, and spent 5 years in public accounting with a focus on tax & audit. It was in public accounting, where I spent three years working on local school board audits for many districts in the Northern Kentucky area.
I attend school board meetings regularly and am always looking for a way to be involved and contribute to the ever improving & growing Beechwood Independent School District. At the heart of it, my decision to run for SBDM is simple, I want to take an active role in our school and be voice for my friends, neighbors, and our community. I want to lend my talents and leverage my relationships to contribute to the future success of Beechwood. I graciously ask for your vote and I look forward to contributing to the continued success of Beechwood and Fort Mitchell.
Kind regards,
Chris Korba
Jennifer Withrow
Greetings! It is an honor to be nominated for the Beechwood SBDM Council, as this is a position I have been interested in pursuing over the last year.
First, let me introduce myself. My name is Jennifer Withrow and my wife and I have two amazing daughters who attend Beechwood Elementary (Payton, 3rd grade & Lorelie, 1st grade). As a Beechwood parent, I am currently a 1st grade room parent. I have also served as softball coach for my daughter's community team and currently serve as an assistant to my daughter's girl scout troop. I have chaperoned field trips and have enjoyed getting to know other Beechwood families. I have also been a PTSA member since my eldest daughter started kindergarten at Beechwood.
I was a social worker for almost 19 years, working directly with families and the challenges they face. In 2017, I received my Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, which helps me to understand the unique needs in education. It is a challenging time in education, and I want to be part of the solution to support teachers, administrators, and students, so that Beechwood continues to provide an environment that enhances student achievement all the while creating an equitable and inclusive environment for all learners.
I have been a professor in higher education for the last 15 years, and understand the importance of various teaching pedagogies to support and build resilient learners and globally competitive students. As director of the social work program at Mount St. Joseph University, I have experience in creating educational policies, selecting textbooks, hiring administers and teachers, as well as reviewing academic assessment outcomes and making curriculum changes based on academic standards.
Both of my children have different learning styles, so I know the importance of ensuring that Beechwood continues to provide an equitable and inclusive environment for all learners. However, I know I am not just representing my children and family, I will be representing all of Beechwood learners and families. For that, I will hold this position in the highest regard. I will be an engaged and active member and will be transparent in all communications with families. Should you have any questions, or would like to further discuss my qualifications, please contact me by cell (918) 269-1149 or email at Jennifer.Withrow@msj.edu. I look forward to serving The Beechwood Way!
My best,
Jennifer Withrow, Ed.D, MSW
Greetings! It is an honor to be nominated for the Beechwood SBDM Council, as this is a position I have been interested in pursuing over the last year.
First, let me introduce myself. My name is Jennifer Withrow and my wife and I have two amazing daughters who attend Beechwood Elementary (Payton, 3rd grade & Lorelie, 1st grade). As a Beechwood parent, I am currently a 1st grade room parent. I have also served as softball coach for my daughter's community team and currently serve as an assistant to my daughter's girl scout troop. I have chaperoned field trips and have enjoyed getting to know other Beechwood families. I have also been a PTSA member since my eldest daughter started kindergarten at Beechwood.
I was a social worker for almost 19 years, working directly with families and the challenges they face. In 2017, I received my Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, which helps me to understand the unique needs in education. It is a challenging time in education, and I want to be part of the solution to support teachers, administrators, and students, so that Beechwood continues to provide an environment that enhances student achievement all the while creating an equitable and inclusive environment for all learners.
I have been a professor in higher education for the last 15 years, and understand the importance of various teaching pedagogies to support and build resilient learners and globally competitive students. As director of the social work program at Mount St. Joseph University, I have experience in creating educational policies, selecting textbooks, hiring administers and teachers, as well as reviewing academic assessment outcomes and making curriculum changes based on academic standards.
Both of my children have different learning styles, so I know the importance of ensuring that Beechwood continues to provide an equitable and inclusive environment for all learners. However, I know I am not just representing my children and family, I will be representing all of Beechwood learners and families. For that, I will hold this position in the highest regard. I will be an engaged and active member and will be transparent in all communications with families. Should you have any questions, or would like to further discuss my qualifications, please contact me by cell (918) 269-1149 or email at Jennifer.Withrow@msj.edu. I look forward to serving The Beechwood Way!
My best,
Jennifer Withrow, Ed.D, MSW
