Rick Reed, an educator with nearly two decades of experience within Bellefontaine City Schools, has announced his candidacy for a seat on the district's school board. As a current parent with two children enrolled in the district, Reed aims to bring his extensive professional and community experience to the role.
Key Takeaways
- Rick Reed is a candidate for the Bellefontaine City School Board.
- He has an 18-year history as an employee of Bellefontaine City Schools (2007-2025).
- Reed holds a Master of Education and currently works for the Midwest Regional Educational Service Center.
- He is a parent to two children attending Bellefontaine Intermediate and Elementary schools.
- Reed has a long history as a football and wrestling coach for the district.
Deep Roots in the Bellefontaine Community
Rick Reed's connection to the Bellefontaine school system is both professional and personal. He and his wife, Joliece, are parents to Finley, a fifth-grade student at Bellefontaine Intermediate School, and Jameson, who is in first grade at Bellefontaine Elementary School. This direct involvement as a parent provides him with a current perspective on the district's day-to-day operations and challenges.
His professional life has been deeply intertwined with the district for many years. Reed was an employee of Bellefontaine City Schools from 2007 until 2025, dedicating 18 years of service to its students. This long tenure gave him firsthand insight into the district's culture, academic programs, and operational needs.
A Focus on Local Governance
School board elections are a cornerstone of local democracy, placing community members in charge of overseeing public education. Board members are responsible for setting district policy, managing the budget, hiring and evaluating the superintendent, and ensuring the district meets the educational needs of all students. Candidates often bring varied backgrounds in education, business, and community service to their roles.
An Extensive Career in Education
Reed's qualifications are rooted in a solid educational foundation. He earned a Bachelor of Education from The Ohio State University in 2005, which prepared him for his career as a teacher and mentor. Seeking to further his expertise, he later completed a Master of Education from Ohio Dominican University in 2018.
Currently, Reed applies his skills at the Resilient Heights Alternative School, a position he holds through the Midwest Regional Educational Service Center. This role involves working with students who may require different educational approaches, highlighting his experience with diverse student populations and learning environments.
"My entire professional career has been dedicated to education and helping students succeed, both in the classroom and outside of it," Reed stated during a recent media appearance.
Commitment to Student Athletics and Development
Beyond his academic roles, Reed has been a significant figure in Bellefontaine's athletic programs. His coaching career in the district demonstrates a long-term commitment to student development outside of the traditional classroom setting.
His coaching history includes several key positions:
- Assistant Varsity Football Coach: He served two separate terms with the Bellefontaine High School football team, from 2007 to 2010 and again from 2013 to 2025.
- Head Varsity Wrestling Coach: Reed led the high school's wrestling program from 2009 to 2013.
Coaching Impact
High school coaches often play a crucial role in shaping student-athletes' discipline, teamwork, and resilience. According to studies on high school athletics, students who participate in sports often show higher grade point averages and have lower dropout rates.
Even after concluding his high school coaching roles, Reed has remained active in youth sports. He currently coaches for youth programs organized through the Bellefontaine Parks and Recreation department, continuing his work of mentoring the community's youngest athletes.
Election Details and Candidate Outreach
As the election approaches, Reed is actively engaging with the community to share his platform. He recently appeared on the "Listen Up!" program with News Director April King on local radio station 98.3 WPKO to discuss his candidacy. Voters can find more information about his campaign on his official social media page.
The upcoming election features several candidates for the school board. According to WPKO, other candidates are also scheduled for interviews. Brad Flora is expected to be featured on October 19, and Karen Wilson will appear on October 26. Another candidate, Bryn Daring-Stewart, has declined an interview request.
This series of interviews provides voters with an opportunity to hear directly from the individuals seeking to lead Bellefontaine City Schools. The election will determine the future direction of the board's policies and priorities for students, staff, and the broader community.