Audience members at a Lorain candidate forum complained that the school board sometimes defers to administration and urged stronger oversight. Candidates responded with specific outreach and oversight proposals.

Bill Sturgill, a longtime board member, said board members must “ask as many questions as you can and be as honest with yourself as you can” and described the role of board members in evaluating superintendent recommendations. Candidate Mark Ballard II said board members should attend listening sessions alongside administrators rather than leaving public engagement solely to district staff.

Several candidates pledged to hold more community meetings, knock on doors and host parent‑teacher listening sessions so families understand budget needs and policy choices. Devon Marie Jeffers said her first goal would be “to improve the connections between parents, students, teachers, and our community.”

No formal change to board procedures was proposed or adopted at the forum; the event served as a platform for candidates to state how they would approach transparency and oversight if elected.