Democrat, Republican vie for Hampton Township School Board seat

Five seats are up for election on Hampton Township School Board this November, and four candidates won both the Democratic and Republican nominations in the primary.

Incumbents Matthew A. Jarrell, Robert J. Shages and Joy Midgley will appear on the ballot for both parties Nov. 7, along with Maureen Farrell Perkins.

Another incumbent, Democrat Trisha Marie Webb, and Republican Jenny L. Kennedy are vying for the remaining seat.

Kennedy, 47, is an admissions representative at a university and has never held public office. She comes from a family of educators and feels a strong need to get involved.

“As a daughter of teachers and a mother of a 13-year-old son, I have a passion for education and holding a strong educational foundation for the children in Hampton Township,” she said.

She has seen a recent influx and focus on politics in schools.

“I’ve worked closely with my son over the past several years, politics play a big role in our children’s education. My goal is to bring all community members and parents to one voice for all, politics aside,” Kennedy said.

“I am an individual that will listen to all, to ensure the decisions that are made are what’s best for the kids,” she continued. “I will bring a fresh, new approach to the school board by bringing new ideas and unbiased decision-making.”

Webb, 45, is a communications coordinator at a Catholic parish. She holds a master’s degree from the University of Ireland, Galway, and bachelor’s from the University of Dayton.

She is finishing her first term on the school board and looks forward to continuing her progress.

“Our students lived through unprecedented times with the pandemic, and we’re seeing the effects it had on them. We must continue to advocate for the resources our students need to be successful in their classes, with their peers and in the world beyond Hampton schools,” she said.

Webb also sees a need to further assist teachers.

“We need to make sure our teachers are supported and have the resources they need to help our students thrive,” she said. “And with limited state and federal funding, we must accomplish all this while being mindful of a tight budget.”

Hampton Township School Board meets for work sessions at 7 p.m. the first Monday, and voting meetings are at the same time on the second Monday. Special meetings are as needed and will be held on the fourth Monday of the month.

An exception is the year’s final month, when the board’s reorganization meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Dec. 4.