By Rick Palsgrove
Southeast Editor
LaToya Dowdell-Burger is the newest member of the Groveport Madison Board of Education.
On July 8, the board unanimously approved her appointment to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Bryan Shoemaker, who announced his immediate resignation from the board on June 10 citing his recent move outside of the school district. Shoemaker was serving in his third term on the board, having been first elected in November 2010. Dowdell-Burger will complete the remainder of Shoemaker’s term of office, which concludes on Dec. 31, 2021.
“We are extraordinarily pleased with the outcome of this process,” said Board President Libby Gray. “There were seven interested and very qualified applicants. In the end, Ms. Dowdell-Burger proved herself the best fit to carry forward the district’s vision. She brings to the table a commitment to the education of the children of Groveport Madison Schools. She is highly respected, has extensive leadership experience, and understands the board’s role with respect to governance through policy development and oversight. The board is very excited to welcome Ms. Dowdell-Burger. We look forward to working with her as we confront some very challenging circumstances and decisions in the weeks and months ahead.”
Dowdell-Burger served in the Ohio Army National Guard and has worked as a civilian employee in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for the past 10 years, currently serving as a human resources specialist. She also has her own private consulting business.
According to information she submitted with her application for the board seat, she is skilled in a variety of computer software programs and has experience and knowledge dealing with complex issues, project management, evaluations/investigations, presentations, interpreting regulations, research, customer service, and creating, developing successful processes, policies, budgeting, training, performance management, and procedures.
“I am committed to my children’s education and to ensure that of all children in Groveport Madison Local Schools receive the best possible education we can provide,” said Dowdell-Burger. “I am very detail-oriented and an extremely hard-working professional – one who will bring brightness to the team and serve as a model to encourage others. I will thoughtfully use my life and work experiences to inform and guide my interactions with parents, teachers, and the District’s administration as we work together for the benefit of our students.”
The other applicants for the board seat were Seth Bower, Wayne Bryan, Lisa Butts, Aaron England, Lori Rea, and John Showman.
