Adam Schneider : Trading Cap and Gown for Seat and Gavel

Ohio Democrats have a number of interesting local races to follow in 2010. However, with Labor Day crunch time approaching, all eyes are shifting to the fall 2009 elections and the local candidates for mayor, council, school board etc. Today, as the beginning of a series of articles highlighting unique local opportunities for Democrats, we turn our attention to two of the youngest Democrats running for office in Ohio this election season - Luke Scott and Adam Schneider. We'll have Scott's profile tomorrow. Today we talk about Schneider.

At eighteen years old, no one can accuse Adam Schneider of being too far removed from the classroom experience to provide valuable insights to a community school board. In fact, Schneider uses his experience as a recent graduate to drive his call for change in the Lancaster School District. When asked about his decision to run, just weeks following his high school graduation, Schneider said this was a long, deliberate process. "It's been a few years in the making. Of seeing problems in the hallways every day. I want to help shape the issues we're facing and drive the solutions to address those problems."

In addressing those problems, Schneider talks about compromise and communication. It's something he knows a little bit about. As one of three children, Schneider has experienced more communication than most his age. His parents have been foster parents to over 100 kids - some for short stretches, others for extended periods. During that time, Schneider learned from his parents the importance of love and discipline - two values his parents live every day. Treating no one child better than the other, and showing compassion and understanding for the unique challenges each one faces. They are qualities perfect for a school board member where class sizes, curriculum, and funding come into play.

The overall dynamic of student ages and interaction is an area Schneider feels strongly about. Citing a recent cost-cutting move to eliminate facility costs, Schneider talked about his concerns surrounding recent building assignments for students - with 6th graders being moved to the Junior High and Freshman being placed with the 10th-12th graders. "With the addition of all day kindergarten, which I'm glad to see, all these moves have created a lot of strain in the hallways," Schneider said.

Another area Schneider feels his election to the board could have an impact is with student health - one of his pet issues. Citing childhood obesity studies that suggest 1/3 of students are obese or overweight, Schneider wants to make sure that just because the school system takes pride in serving students one hot meal a day, that they shouldn't overlook nutritional balance. "We have a 'healthy line' at the high school, but why not all of it? Right now, no one wants to eat in the healthy line because the choices are limited to things like salad."

When asked about the reaction from his teachers to his entry into the race, Schneider says it's been warmly received. "At first, they say 'are you serious?' but as you talk to them about what you believe and intend to do, they're proud. They know there will be someone (on the board) who sees what they see everyday"

Schneider admits his race will be a challenge, as will his time on the board if elected. The 18-yr old begins classes in the fall at Capital University, but believes he can balance his studies and campaign/responsibilities just as easily as anyone working a full-time job. In fact, he promises to visit every classroom in the district. It's a bold promise, but listening to him talk, it's easy to believe he can pull it off.

Schneider's race is for two open seats. The election is in November with the top two finishers claiming slots on the board. For more information on Schneider, visit his website at www.adamschneider.org