With no public forum scheduled this fall, voters in the Vermilion Local School District deserve a clear look at where their school board candidates stand. Three residents: Sarah Scarvelli, Sara Stepp, and Jill Treece, are seeking seats on the Vermilion Board of Education. Each was invited to respond to the same set of questions about their experience, priorities, and views on key district issues, including the upcoming school levy.
1. Introduction
Sarah Scarvelli:
My name is Sarah Scarvelli. I’m 37 years old and work as an operations manager for a trucking company. I have four children who currently attend or have graduated from Vermilion Local Schools. I hold two associate degrees from Lorain County Community College and have 20 years of experience in operations and human resources management.
Sara Stepp:
My name is Sara Stepp, and I am running for the Vermilion School Board. I am 51 years old, and my husband Andrew and I have been married for 23 years. We have two daughters, both attending VHS — Haley, 16, and Adelina, 15. I have 36 years of experience in culinary arts, and for the past 20 years my husband and I have owned Rudy’s Bar and Grill. I have served on the school board for 10 years and am running for re-election.
Jill Treece:
As a proud graduate of Vermilion High School, I am honored to give back to the community that helped shape me. I have more than twenty years of experience leading programs in education, healthcare, and business, providing a strong foundation for addressing complex challenges with practical, people-focused solutions. I have served on multiple boards and committees dedicated to strengthening organizations and supporting communities. My professional work at The Ohio State University centers on teaching leadership, operations, and continuous improvement — skills that directly apply to the challenges facing our schools. As a parent with three children in Vermilion schools, I understand the importance of creating an environment where students feel supported, teachers have resources, and families remain engaged partners in education.
2. Accountability and Transparency
Sarah Scarvelli:
To ensure transparency, I would encourage open conversations and debate at board meetings so the community can better understand what is being voted on. There seems to be a sense of comfort when meetings have few or no attendees, but public participation is essential. I would also make it a priority to respond to inquiries promptly and accurately.
Accountability requires consistent follow-up and measurement of the decisions being made. Policies, procedures, academics, and spending all need ongoing evaluation. The superintendent and board members must maintain frequent communication and be willing to challenge each other in a healthy, productive way to ensure effective results.
Sara Stepp:
As a board member, I represent the community and the students in our district. All of our decisions are voted upon in public meetings, which are recorded. We gather input through committees within the district, and as a board we hire the superintendent and treasurer, relying on their knowledge to make the best decisions for our schools.
Jill Treece:
Transparency and accountability are essential to maintaining trust and keeping our schools strong. As a board member, I believe in a straightforward and collaborative approach. We may not always agree, but by listening and showing respect, we can find common ground and set a strong example for our students. I support open communication about how financial, contractual, and long-term decisions are made, including clear, easy-to-understand reports that show where funds are going and what progress is being made. Board materials should be available to the public in advance when possible, so residents can prepare questions and participate. Building trust starts with transparency, follow-through, and a shared commitment to managing district resources responsibly.
3. Fiscal and Operational Oversight
Sarah Scarvelli:
Student achievement should always be the top priority. It is the board’s responsibility to make sure the facilities, administration, staff, and policies all align to support that goal. Open discussions are needed to distinguish what is truly necessary versus what is secondary, so that resources are used efficiently.
The district should re-evaluate purchased programs, technology investments, and even some employment decisions that do not clearly support student achievement.
When it comes to facilities, we knew years ago what repairs and equipment replacements would eventually be needed. It’s concerning that we are now requesting a levy, because proper financial planning should have addressed these issues long ago. If the board approved a roof replacement in 2000 with a 30-year lifespan, that cost should have been budgeted and reviewed regularly.
Labor unions exist to balance fair compensation and safe working conditions. In turn, the district must clearly define expectations for job performance and outcomes. When it comes time to negotiate contracts, those expectations and results should guide the conversation. Difficult discussions may be necessary, but they are part of responsible fiscal management.
Sara Stepp:
As a board member, student achievement is always my top priority. Students are the reason we are all here, and we must ensure they have the tools they need to succeed in school and beyond. To achieve this, our district must operate with the highest ethical and financial standards. We need to be data-driven and collaborative in our leadership.
Jill Treece:
Strong financial stewardship requires more than balancing the books — it requires discipline, transparency, and continuous improvement. I believe in applying operational-excellence principles by using leading indicators to monitor progress before issues become problems. Early data can reveal where adjustments are needed long before month-end reports or annual budgets are finalized. By combining data-based decision-making with open communication and community partnership, we can ensure Vermilion schools operate efficiently, sustainably, and always in the best interest of students.
4. Long-Term Challenges
Sarah Scarvelli:
Operations are the district’s greatest long-term challenge. Without effective and functional operations, every decision risks leading to inefficiency, overspending, and low morale. The board must commit to consistent follow-up, strong communication, and healthy debate whenever there are signs that something is not working.
Sara Stepp:
Over the next five years, we must be very diligent with school finances. Even though we are a shrinking district, we are seeing severe cuts in state funding. This will be a challenging time. We are fortunate to have a treasurer who provides valuable guidance and insight to help us make informed decisions that keep the district healthy. The board will work together to make the best possible choices to give our students and district a bright, successful future.
Jill Treece:
The district is facing some of its most significant challenges, with aging facilities, transportation issues, tighter budgets, and enrollment shifts all happening at once. Facility investments must be carefully planned to ensure safe and modern learning spaces, while balancing taxpayer responsibility. Transportation and staffing constraints require creative solutions such as schedule adjustments and regional collaboration. By engaging the community and local leaders in these discussions, we can make thoughtful decisions that ensure long-term stability while maintaining the quality education Vermilion families value.
5. The Upcoming Levy
Sarah Scarvelli:
I plan to vote no on the levy for a second time because I do not believe the community can afford it, especially given that the district failed to plan properly. My research into other districts in Ohio and beyond shows that this levy stems from poor long-term planning.
I raised this concern two years ago when I first ran for the board. The financial shortfall was known, yet not properly addressed. If the levy passes, nothing changes operationally. The district would simply gain a few more years to continue the same ineffective practices, leaving taxpayers to bear the cost.
Bad planning is bad planning. If mismanagement is occurring in facility maintenance, it is likely happening in other areas as well. A negative balance combined with an effective board could actually lead to better decision-making and a stronger operational culture moving forward.
Sara Stepp:
I 100 percent support the upcoming school levy. Our schools are aging and need critical projects addressed. We must provide students with a safe environment to learn in. I served on the bond levy committee during the last attempt and continue to help with this levy effort. When the levy passes, we will be able to keep our students safe, continue employing qualified teachers and staff, and strengthen our community. We will keep fighting for this until it passes. I believe in this community — we always show up when someone is in need. Our students are in need now.
Jill Treece:
Vermilion is one of the few districts in Ohio without a permanent-improvement levy or fund to support ongoing facility needs. Developing a long-term plan with community input and support will help ensure stability for both our schools and our town. While this proposed bond levy focuses on immediate facility needs rather than long-term planning, I support it because it provides funding that can only be used for maintenance and repairs.
The financial impact is about $12 per month for a $100,000 home and $24 per month for a $200,000 home. Without this funding, the district could be forced to redirect money away from teachers, staff, and programs to cover repairs. Federal pandemic-era funding has ended, and potential changes at the state level could further reduce school funding. Supporting this levy helps protect safe, high-quality learning environments for Vermilion students.
Election Day
Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Voters in the Vermilion Local School District will choose two members to serve on the Board of Education. Early voting begins October 7 at the Lorain County Board of Elections.
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