Katie Slife Rustad, candidate for Lakewood Board of Education

Candidate name: Katie Slife Rustad 

Candidate email: sliferustadforlakewood@gmail.com 

Candidate age:  43 

Candidate’s stated party affiliation: Democrat 

Position Sought: Lakewood Board of Education 

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? Yes, my cousin Charles Slife is the councilman for Cleveland Ward 17. 

What is your educational background?  

BS from Ohio University, MBA from Cleveland State, graduate of Lakewood High School 

What is your occupation?  

Sales Director 

Do you have any previous experience as an elected official?   

No 

Why are you seeking office?  

I believe the Lakewood City School District needs to develop a community informed strategic plan that, rather than looking to the past with fear, looks toward the future. We should be reaching to attain our highest potential, embracing who we are today and harnessing the growth and energy of our very unique community. 

What do you think the single most pressing issue facing the Lakewood School Board is?  

Trust has been broken and it needs to be quickly and earnestly repaired, so the community can join together and move forward in order to pass our next levy. 

What differentiates you from other candidates?  

My 20 year career has been spent in the private sector, with a focus on data analysis and strategic planning. I would bring a diversity of thought to the board as well as strong financial acumen. 

Please summarize your campaign platform.  

The Lakewood City School district needs a new strategic plan that embodies who we are today and where we want to go in the future – not one with a sole fixation on building consolidation and past enrollment declines. I do not believe Lakewood needs to conform to an ex-urban, consolidated model for our schools – our neighborhood model is one of the many things that make Lakewood a great place to live. 

What past experiences indicate that you’ll succeed as a Lakewood school board member?  

I have had a successful career at American Greetings, working in various departments but always utilizing data and analytics as well as critical thinking to make decisions, develop strategic plans and move the business forward. I currently serve as a sales director, leading a team of twelve sales reps managing $60M in revenue. I am responsible for strategic planning, contract negotiations, relationship management, change management and business development. 

Is there anything else voters should know about you?  

I am a lifelong Lakewood resident, a graduate of the Lakewood City Schools married to a Lakewood grad, raising four Rangers. My family has owned a business in Lakewood for over thirty years and both my parents and in-laws are also Lakewood grads. Our house bleeds purple and gold! 

Do you have a website? www.katiesliferustadforlakewood.org