On October 22 three members of Patriot Press hosted a panel featuring three out of the four candidates running for election on November 4.

The three candidates featured at the panel were Brandon Lester, Shilpa Saxena and Kevin Daberkow. The fourth candidate Omar Ashraf was unable to attend, however he responded separately.

Each candidate had 5 minutes to answer each question.

Introduce yourself and tell us what motivated you to launch your campaign?

Omar Ashraf’s response: Good evening, everyone. My name is Omar Ashraf. Firstly, I want to
apologize for not being there in person tonight. I truly appreciate
the opportunity to take part, even from a distance, and I want to
thank the students and staff who organized this event. It’s a great
example of the initiative and leadership that make Olentangy such a
special place.

My family and I moved to Olentangy because of its exceptional schools
and strong sense of community. My daughter is in 8th grade, so I
experience our schools every day as a parent — proud of the
excellence, but also aware of the challenges that come with a growing
district.

I earned my undergraduate degree in Information Systems from
Pittsburgh and went on to complete master’s degrees in Business
Administration and Project Management. Over the years, I’ve managed
complex business systems, worked with large multinational companies,
and currently oversee a nutraceutical manufacturing facility and a
regulatory compliance consulting firm.

I decided to run because I believe Olentangy’s continued success
depends on responsible leadership, transparency, and thoughtful
long-term planning. My goal is to help ensure that as we grow, we
maintain the quality and trust that make our schools a cornerstone of
this community.

What skills and qualifications will you be bringing to the school board position?

Omar Ashraf’s response: Over the past two decades, I’ve built a career centered on leadership,
accountability, and operational excellence. I’ve had the privilege of
working with respected organizations such as PNC Bank, Blue Cross Blue
Shield, and Philips Respironics, where I managed large-scale systems,
led cross-functional teams, and worked on projects that required both
technical and strategic execution.

Those experiences taught me how to navigate complex operations,
evaluate data objectively, and make informed decisions with long-term
impact. Today, I apply those same principles in my work managing a
nutraceutical manufacturing facility and a regulatory compliance
consulting firm — both of which demand attention to detail, regulatory
discipline, and effective communication.

I’ve also been involved in community and legislative efforts that
connect business principles with education and public policy. I bring
a pragmatic, results-driven mindset — focused on problem-solving,
efficiency, and ensuring that every decision supports our students and
strengthens our schools.

What are you passionate about changing or maintaining during your tenure?

Omar Ashraf’s response: I’m passionate about maintaining the quality of education that
continues to draw families to Olentangy, while responsibly managing
the growth that comes with it.

We need to ensure that as enrollment increases and the demand for new
schools and resources rises, we plan carefully — expanding only in
ways that maintain our high academic standards and support both
teachers and students. Growth is a sign of success, but it must be
guided by thoughtful planning, transparency, and long-term vision.

My focus is on protecting what makes Olentangy exceptional — strong
academics, engaged families, and responsible governance — while
ensuring we’re prepared for the future without compromising the
quality that defines this district.

How do you view the topic of diversity and inclusion within Olentangy Local Schools?

Omar Ashraf’s response: Olentangy’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths, and it’s
something we can all appreciate. Our students come from many different
backgrounds, and that diversity gives them perspective, adaptability,
and respect for others — qualities that serve them well beyond the
classroom.

I grew up in a multicultural environment, so I understand the
importance of working with people from different cultures and
viewpoints. It teaches collaboration, understanding, and the ability
to find common ground — skills that are essential for success in life.

More than 20 percent of Olentangy’s student population is Asian, yet
when you look at the current school board, that representation isn’t
reflected. Besides me and Ms. Saxena, few truly understand firsthand
what diversity means on a personal level — how it can strengthen a
community when built on shared respect and a common purpose.

To me, diversity means ensuring every student feels valued, included,
and supported in a way that helps them reach their full potential. Our
schools should reflect the community they serve — one that is dynamic,
respectful, and committed to giving every student the opportunity to
succeed.

How do you think the school funding issue should be addressed in Olentangy?

Omar Ashraf’s response: Funding remains one of the biggest challenges for our district. We
need to continue advocating for fair state funding while managing
local resources with discipline and transparency.

My experience managing large budgets has taught me that strong
communication and clear priorities build trust. Every dollar should
directly benefit students, teachers, and the classroom experience.
Fiscal responsibility and community confidence must always go hand in
hand.

Any closing remarks, things you would like to share about why people should vote for you?

Omar Ashraf’s response: As a parent, a neighbor, and a member of this community, I understand
how deeply people care about our schools. Like many of you, my family
came to Olentangy because of the quality of education and the values
this district represents — hard work, respect, and opportunity for
every student.

I’m not running to change what’s working. I’m running to help protect
it — to make sure that as our district grows, we keep the same quality
of education, transparency, and sense of community that make Olentangy
such a special place to raise a family.

My approach is simple: listen, communicate honestly, and make
thoughtful decisions that put students and teachers at the center. I
believe in steady, responsible leadership — the kind that keeps us
moving forward without losing sight of what matters most: our children
and their future.

Thank you again for taking the time to listen and for being part of a
community that truly cares about its schools. I’m grateful for the
opportunity to serve and to work together to keep Olentangy strong. I
hope to earn your support on Nov 4th.