ROSS TWP. — The chief of the Miami University Police Department has been named the new school board member for the Ross Local School District.
Ross Board of Education members voted unanimously Wednesday night, June 10, in favor John McCandless to fill the seat vacated by Dick Ballard.
“The board was very impressed with John... his management experience with a large budget and staff will prove beneficial to Ross Local Schools,” said board President David Brown. “Beyond that, his passion to serve was very evident and we look forward to working with him as a fellow board member,”
McCandless, 48, was chosen among three candidates who were considered for the position. According to his resume, he’s been involved with law enforcement since 1981 and holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, a master’s in public administration and is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy.
McCandless, a father of two Ross graduates and two current students, said he comes to the board as a fan of the Ross school system. He said he plans to read a lot and listen to get caught up on school board business.
“Over time, hopefully I will become a contributing member of the board,” he said.
McCandless will need to run in the November election to finish out Ballard’s two-year term, Brown said. Additionally, two other board positions — those held by Glenda Holt and Edward Bosse — are up for re-election this year.
Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2122 or rwilson@coxohio.com.
