Meri Armour Rocky River Board of Education

11/09/2025

“YOU NEED TO BE SILENT!” — Karoline Leavitt’s Tweet Against Shedeur Sanders of Cleveland Browns Backfires Spectacularly as He Reads Every Word on Live TV, Turning the Nation’s Eyes and Leaving the Studio in Absolute Silence!!

FULL STORY: https://goodday.feji.io/blog/you-need-to-be-silent-karoline-leavitts-tweet-against-shedeur-sanders-of-cleveland-browns-backfires-spectacularly-as-he-reads-every-word-on-live-tv-turning-the-nations-eyes-and-leaving-the-studio-in-absolute-silence-yennhi

11/05/2025

I want to thank the many people of Rocky River who voted for me in the Board of Education contest. I am humbled that I earned your vote.

I am excited to begin the important work the Board will address in the next few years. Many congratulations to Lauren and Jessica, the two incumbents who won re-election. I look forward to working with them, as well as with Addie and Kelly. There are many critical issues ahead of the school district and I offer my full commitment to providing my best efforts to serve the schools and the community at large.

I offer Steven Shepherd my thanks for his role in bringing forth his ideas to improve the schools and promise to listen to him, as well as to anyone with a sincere interest in seeing the schools succeed.

I am very grateful for the endorsement of the Teachers PAC. And to the many people who provided enthusiastic support and sage advice- Fred, Lou, Julia, Liz, Betsy , Ellen, Michelle and Michael. You gave me confidence and your best selves on my behalf!!

It is time to turn the page to my service for the kids, teachers, parents and community of Rocky River. I vow to be the best professional, collegial, honest and open-minded Board member I can be. Thank you for believing in my ability to be a good servant on the School Board of Education. I will not disappoint you. Meri

11/04/2025

I stand for kids, teachers, and effective Board obligations- fiduciary, mission-centric, honest and open with the community. Public schools are vital to our community’s success and reputation. I would be humbled to have the chance to serve.
VOTE TODAY!!!

11/03/2025

11/03/2025

Tomorrow is VOTING Day!! Rally up!!

10/31/2025

This quote by Potter Stewart, "Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do," highlights a crucial distinction in moral philosophy.

"What you have a right to do" refers to actions that are legally permissible or within your boundaries of freedom. These are things you are allowed to do without legal repercussions or infringing on others' basic rights.

"What is right to do" delves into the realm of morality and ethical judgment. This refers to actions that are good, just, fair, and considerate, even if there's no law compelling you to do them or prohibiting you from doing otherwise. It often involves empathy, integrity, and a sense of responsibility beyond legal obligations.

The quote suggests that true ethical understanding goes beyond mere adherence to rules or laws. It requires a deeper introspection into the moral implications of our actions and choosing the path that aligns with higher principles of goodness, even when an easier or self-serving alternative is legally acceptable.

10/28/2025

Powerful. 🧡
🌐 teachergoals.com

10/28/2025

One of the teachers asked me to write something for her to post on her website. Thought I should post on mine too!!

People have asked me several times “why are you running for the school board?” There is skepticism because I don’t have any career or political agenda for my future. My work career is over. So here is the real reason. I am passionate about the health and well-being of children and I believe the vast majority of parents want the very best for their children.

Schools are an integral, long term engagement with children and their families. So outside of my passion for children’s health, education is definitely the most important. Kids spend most of their time in school K-12. It’s where they learn about the world, engage in interpersonal relationships, get excited about things that stimulate their interest and, generally begin to learn about how the world works. It is such an important, life-defining phase in their lives.

Teachers make all that and more happen. They chose a career that leads them not only to teach but to help grow the minds and characters of their young students. It is not always easy. Kids come with different backgrounds and family experiences. And teachers need to adjust, attend to and conquer all those Individual personalities into one successful classroom experience. To those who would critique teachers style, pay or work life, I say walk a mile in their shoes. It is an awesome responsibility every day, every class, every student. They are unsung heroes.

Board work is really teamwork. All members must be fully committed to the effort. Understand the issues and debate solutions with collegiality and respect. Board members must be strong advocates for the mission of the schools. And, very importantly, must understand and manage the financials of the organization. I have been in CEO roles and I have served on a number of NFP Boards so I get the challenge.

The critical issue facing the RR City School District will be financial support. The state fully intends to alter funding public schools. The Board must play a critical role in determining how to address financial shortfalls. But this must be done with great thought and careful discernment. There are no easy, quick answers and I believe we should listen to all perspectives but especially those frontline people who know what works and what doesn’t. The community wants accountability and they are entitled to that and the Board is obliged to ensure truth is openly communicated. Truth builds trust.

So, in short, why I want to serve on the school board is to provide the passion, the dedication, the teamwork and the financial accountability that our students, teachers, and community expect and deserve. I have no agenda other than to offer my best self in service to those causes. As we are fond of saying, Go Pirates!

10/24/2025

https://www.cleveland.com/news/2025/10/ohios-radical-property-tax-overhaul-could-signal-the-end-of-free-public-schools.html

It is a bold plan for property tax relief, but it would transfer all school funding control to the state and likely lead to more education inequality

10/23/2025

A few more thoughts on the Rocky River potential financial issues. The 5-yr projections complied by a highly respected treasurer, Greg Markus, reveals a deficit beginning in 2027. This is what is predicted today without the known support from traditional sources- the state of Ohio, the percentage of property tax income provided, or the approval of a levy.

The General Assembly in Columbus has a variety of proposals ranging from complete elimination of property taxes, to limits on such taxes, to elimination of school levies, to raising the personal income or sales tax to offset losses to public entities. It is virtually certain a state constitutional amendment addressing property taxes will be on the 2026 ballot. Voters are legitimately frustrated with the increases in property taxes year after year.

But, this is not a time to shoot from the hip about what needs to be eliminated in the school budget. Our schools are a jewel and a reason our community enjoys the reputation it holds across the state.

Every organization is obligated to take a deep, close look at their budget on a regular basis. Financial creep is a well known phenomenon and a close look reveals what needs are now real and what can be eliminated. What concerns me is any cavalier approach to budget management. It requires teacher input, parent and community input to make the best decisions. The front line knows best what works and what doesn’t. Let’s take a thoughtful deliberate look at every line item and listen to those who know what is needed and what isn’t.

The Board is legally and morally obligated to address fiduciary responsibility to ensure the continued success of the school district. Educating our children is in everyone’s best interest. They are, literally, the future and we want them to be well prepared to think critically and to lead when and where needed.

All I ask is that budget discussions be thorough, informed and thoughtful. I get that voters want accountability and they are entitled to that, but let the work be accomplished in a professional manner and not on social media. I have led and/or participated in budget analysis and cost reductions over many years with many different organizations. I see it as my highest responsibility should I be elected to the Board of Education. Rocky River tax payers are entitled to transparency and accountability by the Board. I also believe the schools are entitled to appropriate support by the community.