John Kamkutis Appointed To Fill Empty School Board Seat

Jim O'Bryan · Post by **Jim O'Bryan** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 12:44 pm

The Lakewood Board of Education has completed its review and interviews of sixteen impressive applicants for the vacancy created by the resignation of W. Charles Geiger III. In compliance with state law and board policy, the Board will appoint John Kamkutis to the vacant seat at its regular meeting on Monday, January 12, 2009.

The Board thanked all who applied and asked that they remain involved in the Lakewood City School Districtâ€™s ongoing initiatives. Their many talents are valuable and their willingness to serve is gratifying.

As with so many in Lakewood's heritage, John's parents emigrated to the United States and still reside in the Lakewood home they purchased 48 years ago. John is a lifelong Lakewoodite, attended Roosevelt Elementary School, Harding Middle School, and graduated from Lakewood High School. He attended Blufton College and has a degree in Business Administration.

John and his wife, Cindy, live on Marlowe Avenue with their two daughters, both Roosevelt students. Cindy is a high school advanced mathematics teacher. John is employed as a district manager for an insurance company, and is active in youth programs and has coached on various levels in Lakewood for many years. He is a member of the Lakewood Youth Athletics Commission, and serves on boards in his church and mission organizations.

The Lakewood City School District welcomes John and urges all staff, and the community, to support and assist him in his new position.

For more information, contact Board of Education President Edward Favre at 216-529-4092.

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William George · Post by **William George** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 1:47 pm

John Kamkutis is an excellent choice. I have known John for about 15 years. He is a quality individual. Good luck John!

Ryan Salo · Post by **Ryan Salo** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 1:48 pm

Congrats John!! I am sure you will do a fantastic job! I have heard nothing but great things about you and your commitment to the city and the schools.

I also want to thank the current board members for all of their hard work and many hours of interviewing to come to a decision.

It sure was great to see how many people were interested in getting involved. We sure have a great city.

Edward Favre · Post by **Edward Favre** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 4:03 pm

Ryan & Will:

Thank you for your comments supportive of John. It is a sign of class and selfless individuals. We look forward to working with you both for the betterment of our schools.

Ed Favre

Stan Austin · Post by **Stan Austin** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 6:02 pm

Congratulations Mr. Kamkutis---

From many qualified candidates you have been charged by the community as represented by the Board members for upholding our traditions of excellence and meritocracy.

Continue the tradition.

Stan Austin (LHS '67, Harding '64, Hayes '60)

Ryan Patrick Demro · Post by **Ryan Patrick Demro** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 7:17 pm

Congratulations John! This is an excellent choice.

Ivor Karabatkovic · Post by **Ivor Karabatkovic** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 7:39 pm

John grabs a seat next to Matt Markling. This will be his new seat as the newly chosen School Board member.

Diane Helbig · Post by **Diane Helbig** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 7:46 pm

I second all of the wonderful comments about John. He is a good friend and a quality choice. I am thrilled he has been appointed and will support him during his tenure and campaign for November 3rd.

This is a great Board of Ed - well positioned to handle the opportunities and challenges facing Lakewood Schools.

Hey Ryan - great to finally meet you in person.

I feel honored to have been included with such a qualified, dedicated group of individuals. The school system and the city are fortunate to have this level of involvement and commitment from its citizens.

John Farina · Post by **John Farina** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 7:57 pm

Congratulations John and best of luck to you in your service to the schools and the community.

Thanks to the school board for a fair and smooth process. I am honored to have participated and look forward to my work on the Phase 3 committee.

Cheers!
John Farina

Bill Call · Post by **Bill Call** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 6:50 am

William George wrote:John Kamkutis is an excellent choice. I have known John for about 15 years. He is a quality individual. Good luck John!

Can he say no?

Danielle Masters · Post by **Danielle Masters** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 9:48 am

Congratulations on your appointment John.

Jim O'Bryan · Post by **Jim O'Bryan** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 12:16 pm

I wanted to wait until the entire process was completed. I was energized by the entire list of applicants, and had a chance to speak to a couple that I had never met, and touch base with many I knew.

Once again Lakewood showed its strength with 16 viable candidates stepping into the spotlight and putting themselves up to a very open, and public process. For that we should all be grateful. It is those willing to step into the light, that should always be respected for taking part in the process and putting their names out there publicly.

That said, from everything I know, and have heard, John should be a great choice, and I feel that the School Board has taken steps in the right direction making as much of this public as they have. I know firsthand that members of the community are thankful that the Board, and the Board President Ed Favre are making moves to make as much public and open as they can, and to bring more transparency to the process.

In the interview last night for the paper, Ed Favre even mentioned how happy he was to see fellow applicants come on the Observation Deck in a public show of support for John, the Board and the process.

I agree, the more the merrier. None of us own the city, nor should we try to build from secrecy as opposed to the strength of transparency and civic involvement. We must not let, those that work to drag decisions back into the back rooms, hallways, and coffee clatches steal the future of the city for themselves and their agendas.

FWIW

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Diane Helbig · Post by **Diane Helbig** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 12:53 pm

Jim O'Bryan wrote:I wanted to wait until the entire process was completed. I was energized by the entire list of applicants, and had a chance to speak to a couple that I had never met, and touch base with many I knew.

Once again Lakewood showed its strength with 16 viable candidates stepping into the spotlight and putting themselves up to a very open, and public process. For that we should all be grateful. It is those willing to step into the light, that should always be respected for taking part in the process and putting their names out there publicly.

That said, from everything I know, and have heard, John should be a great choice, and I feel that the School Board has taken steps in the right direction making as much of this public as they have. I know firsthand that members of the community are thankful that the Board, and the Board President Ed Favre are making moves to make as much public and open as they can, and to bring more transparency to the process.

In the interview last night for the paper, Ed Favre even mentioned how happy he was to see fellow applicants come on the Observation Deck in a public show of support for John, the Board and the process.

I agree, the more the merrier. None of us own the city, nor should we try to build from secrecy as opposed to the strength of transparency and civic involvement. We must not let, those that work to drag decisions back into the back rooms, hallways, and coffee clatches steal the future of the city for themselves and their agendas.

FWIW

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Bravo!!

Edward Favre · Post by **Edward Favre** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 11:04 am

Thanks to Diane and John for their compliments of John. It was pleasure speaking with you both.