Downtown Lowdown Podcast Hosts School Board Candidate Lydia Pleiman

Downtown Tipp City’s spirit of collaboration extended to the world of public education in the latest episode of the Downtown Lowdown podcast, the official podcast of the Downtown Tipp City Partnership. Tipp City’s school board race is heating up, and Executive Director Tasha Weaver welcomed Tipp City School Board candidate Lydia Pleiman to talk about her vision for the future of Tipp City Schools. Pleiman shared her priorities, hopes, and thoughts on what Tipp City schools need next.

Listening to the Community and Prioritizing Transparency

Pleiman’s central theme throughout the episode was transparency and trust. She believes school board members must actively listen to all voices—parents, teachers, staff, and students—before making decisions that impact the district.

Her decision to run was inspired by her faith and a heart for service, grounded in the values of Philippians 2:3–4, which speak to humility and servant leadership. Pleiman has been a regular at board meetings, even recording them for those unable to attend. “If people can’t be there, I want to stand in the gap for them,” she said, underscoring her commitment to accessibility and openness in public education.

Experience That Counts

Pleiman’s leadership experience runs deep—from serving on her college’s student government and working alongside athletic departments to founding an English language program in Brazil. These experiences, she explained, gave her a strong grasp of organizational leadership and the importance of collaboration.

Priorities for Tipp City Schools

Among her top priorities are completing construction projects, resolving the stadium debate with meaningful community input, and improving access to curriculum so parents can proactively see what their children are learning.

Safety, Success, and Smart Use of Technology

On school safety, Pleiman supports proactive, practical measures—investing in secure facilities and training for teachers and staff. She also celebrates Tipp’s status as a leading AI school, while reminding listeners of the need for balance and responsibility when integrating technology into classrooms. “We need to teach students how to use these tools wisely,” she noted, calling for partnerships with local professionals and even retired teachers to expand mentorships and real-world learning opportunities.

Supporting Teachers and Strengthening School Spirit

Pleiman spoke passionately about professional development, arguing that investing in teacher training directly improves student success. She also celebrated Tipp City’s vibrant extracurriculars—from athletics to the new fabrication lab—emphasizing that activities help students build teamwork, confidence, and pride in their schools.

Fiscal Responsibility and Future Planning

Addressing community concerns about spending, Pleiman encouraged a thoughtful approach to budgeting. She shared small but telling examples—like welcome packets for kindergartners that could be distributed more efficiently—to illustrate how small savings add up. With Tipp City’s population growing but student enrollment remaining steady, she also stressed the importance of careful planning for future facility needs.

A Candidate Rooted in Hope and Transparency

When asked to describe Tipp City Schools in one word, Pleiman chose hopeful. She sees community engagement—even tough questions—as a sign that people care deeply about their schools. “They’re showing up,” she said. “And that’s powerful.”

As the conversation closed, Pleiman reiterated her commitment to transparency, accessibility, and servant leadership. “If you want to feel like your voice is heard in our school system,” she said, “I’m the candidate who will make sure it is.”

Stay Tuned for upcoming episodes of the Downtown Lowdown

New episodes of the Downtown Lowdown drop every Wednesday. Hosted by Tasha Weaver, the show shines a light not just on people, but the issues shaping Tipp City’s future. Tune in for stories behind the storefronts and the personalities making Tipp City a magical place to call home. For more details, sponsorship opportunities, or to get involved, visit downtowntippcity.org.