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.

Downtown Lowdown Podcast hosts School Board Candidate Josh Grear

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. Executive Director Tasha Weaver welcomed Tipp City Schools Board candidate Josh Grear to talk all things education, community, and the unique synergy between local government, schools, and community.

Engaged Conversations on Schools and Community

This episode’s special guest was Josh Grear, local school board candidate with an ambition to improve Tipp City’s educational environment. Grear discussed recent high-profile school board challenges, emphasizing a need for teamwork and shared culture across the district. "We need people who bring a positive attitude and desire to make the district better for everyone and not just for a single person," Grear said, sharing his commitment to a thriving Tipp City for students and families alike.

Weaver and Grear discussed the recent work of the Tipp City Schools Board, addressing public questions about school policies, facility needs, and the district's mission. “Schools are the heart of a great community—and our teachers, staff, and families make Tipp unique,” Grear shared.

Josh Grear spoke candidly about his reasons for joining the Tipp City Schools Board, citing both personal conviction and community spirit as his main inspirations. Grear described himself as a parent first, invested in Tipp City’s future and determined to be a voice for local families. He shared that running for the board provided an opportunity to advocate for transparent decision-making and to ensure that all students, regardless of background, have access to the best possible education.

Emphasizing importance of strategic investments in school facilities

Looking ahead, Grear outlined a vision rooted in collaboration and long-range planning. He emphasized the importance of strategic investments in school facilities and modern educational tools that meet the evolving needs of Tipp City’s children. Grear expressed his commitment to ongoing dialogue with teachers and parents, believing that the most effective solutions emerge when the whole community is engaged and listened to.

Grear’s plans also include fostering even stronger partnerships between local businesses, civic groups, and the school district. He hopes to promote real-world learning experiences through internships, mentorships, and service opportunities, connecting students more closely to their downtown community. By supporting both academic success and practical life skills, Grear aims to prepare Tipp City students for whatever path lies ahead—making sure each graduate is empowered, adaptable, and proud to call Tipp home.

Grear also addressed issues including school infrastructure and community reputation—stressing fiscal responsibility for facility improvements and a plan to highlight the district's best qualities. Grear gave listeners his take on local leadership, and Grear highlighted upcoming board meetings, public forums, and ways for families to share ideas or concerns. “Transparency and listening are key—we want everyone to feel heard,” Grear said, pointing out recent efforts to solicit community feedback on major decisions.

Stay Tuned for upcoming episodes of the Downtown Lowdown

Stay tuned for more Downtown Lowdown episodes, dropping every Wednesday. 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.

Downtown Lowdown Podcast hosts School Board Candidates Ernst and Kaibas

School Board Candidates Katie Ernst and Karen Kaibas appeared on latest episode of the Downtown Lowdown, the official podcast of the Downtown Tipp City Partnership. The two write-in candidates brought both energy and insight to the latest episode of Downtown Lowdown, as they joined Executive Director Tasha Weaver in a lively conversation about their campaign for Tipp City's Board of Education.

Listeners were treated to fun icebreakers before the show dove into why both women are running for school board and what they hope to bring to the table. Ernst, a decade-long resident with deep Air Force roots, and Kaibas, a former physical therapist and current community advocate whose family is known for its theatrical flair, spoke warmly about the special sense of belonging Tipp City provides.

Both credited their decision to run to encouragement from fellow parents and an interest in maintaining the district’s recent positive momentum, especially as two long-serving board members step down this year. “I just was really worried that there was going to be a risk that the positive momentum would be disrupted,” said Ernst, inspired by her hands-on experience with district projects, community engagement, and levy campaigns.

Leadership and Collaboration

The conversation also touched on leadership and the importance of collaboration. Both Ernst and Kaibas emphasized how essential it is for board members to work together productively, even in tough situations. Kaibas talked about her 15 years of involvement in the Tipp City schools and Tipp community, saying that she appreciated the impact the school system had on her children.

The family started in the area by enrolling their daughter in St. Patrick’s Catholic school in Troy, but “after meeting families in Tipp City and students and her peers in attending the Stagecrafters program, we decided to go to Tipp City schools. And then through those 15 years of educating my kids here, we have become in love with their education and what their impact was from their educators and from their experience.”

The conversation highlighted the importance of the forthcoming PK-8 construction project—the “top priority for our district”—while recognizing the need for ongoing focus on academics, fiscal stewardship, and open communication with families and the wider community. Both candidates championed student-centered policies and praised the district’s tradition of robust extracurriculars, from athletics to choir and Quiz Bowl, noting these activities build skills far beyond the classroom.

Ballot Instructions

The candidates made sure listeners knew exactly what to expect come Election Day: as write-in candidates, Ernst and Kaibas’s names won’t appear on the ballot, so voters will need to fill in their names by hand. The duo pointed out that poll workers can provide accurate spelling and campaign cards if needed.

With gratitude for the Downtown Tipp City Partnership’s platform and Weaver’s hosting style, both candidates ended by conveying their shared commitment: “That’s really what I think our campaign is about, giving people a choice,” concluded Ernst, looking forward to helping write the next chapter of the Tipp City schools story.

Stay tuned for more Downtown Lowdown episodes, dropping every Wednesday. 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.