Editor’s Note: On Tuesday, Nov. 8, voters in the Oxford school district will go to the polls in their respective townships to elect someone to a four-year seat on the board of education. Two candidates are vying for that seat. Polls are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Here is how they responded to the Leader’s questions.
Jim Reis
Occupation: Self employed for over 20 years in the construction trade, specializing in copper work.
Education: High School
Number of years lived in Oxford school district: 15 years
Previous or current involvement with schools (i.e. boards, clubs, activities, groups, sports, etc): Current: President of the Oxford Football Club, vice president of the Oxford Boosters, chairman of the Turf Committee. Previous: Coached youth football, baseball, soccer; and basketball; general manager and treasurer of the Oxford Junior Wildcat Football program; involved in girl scouts, cub scouts and boy scouts.
Children attending school in the district, if so how many and which schools? My son graduated in 2011. My daughter is a freshman at Oxford High School
1) Why are you running for a seat on the Oxford school board?
To continue my commitment to the students of Oxford. Work to keep a positive fund balance for the district. Meet with parents, teachers and administrators to hear their concerns as the district moves forward.
2) What do you believe are the top two issues facing the school district and how would you go about addressing them?
Funding: We need to make sure every dollar is spent wisely and that students are the top priority. Researching different ways to bring in revenue is also important.
Government Mandates. We need to examine all options, make decisions that put students first, and minimize the burden on taxpayers.
3) What experience, skills or specialized knowledge do you possess that you feel would make you an asset to the school board?
Being self-employed has taught me good business sense and the value of a dollar. This knowledge will help guide my decisions on spending. From 15 years of active involvement in our community, I know people from very diverse groups, and I understand the most pressing concerns for parents and teachers.
4) What is your opinion of the direction of the school district under the administration of Superintendent Dr. William Skilling?
Most important to me is quality teachers, and we continue to hire great staff. We are operating in the black. We are adding and expanding programs in education, arts and athletics. Oxford students have the best opportunities to prepare them for work and college. I like where we are going!
5) What do you believe is the role of a school board member?
School board members hire and evaluate the superintendent and approve district policies. I attend nearly every board meeting, so I am very familiar with how our schools operate. Sometimes there are tough decisions to be made. My voice will represent the Oxford community well, but more importantly, Oxford students.

Rhonda Yell
Occupation: Teacher
Number of Years Lived in Oxford School District: 12
Previous or current involvement with schools: Bachelors in Special Education (K-12), Masters in Teaching and Educational Leadership, Teaching experience- Elementary /Secondary Levels, EA representative, Internal Review Board, Social Studies Department Co-chair, 8th grade Washington, D.C. Trip Sponsor, Volunteer experience -classroom, field trips, Turf Committee, Robotics
Children attended school in the district, if so how many and which schools?
Currently I have three children attending ? OHS, OMS, Clear Lake; with one preschooler to attend next fall.
1) Why are you running for a seat on the Oxford school board?
I am running for Oxford’s School Board because I feel it is essential that we continue to provide the highest quality education for all of our children without losing the sense of community in which our families thrive.
2) What do you believe are the top two issues facing the school district and how would you go about addressing them?
I feel the top two issues facing Oxford are shrinking funds and legislation at the state level. The negative effect of both of these could be lessened by examining alternative funding sources and expenditures in addition to continuing to lobby for the best interests of our children.
3) What experience, skills or specialized knowledge do you possess that you feel would make you an asset to the school board?
Knowledge of the educational system, developing partnerships to meet student needs, and the desire to actively seek solutions are skills that I possess that would be beneficial if elected.
4) What is your opinion of the direction of the school district under the administration of Superintendent Dr. William Skilling?
I believe the district continues to provide the highest quality of education. It is important to note, however; that Dr. Skilling is the Superintendent and does not make all decisions for the district or school board.
5. What do you believe is the role of a school board member?
School board members assume many roles in the community but their first priority is to make sound decisions that allow for high quality education to continue. They are to work with administration and the community helping to solve problems and celebrate successes.