08/01/2026
It matters who governs!
Local decisions shape what our children are taught, how safe they feel at school, whether parents stay informed, and how tax dollars are spent. These choices are not neutral. They flow directly from the beliefs and principles of the people casting the votes.
Early voting is underway and participation has been low. No public debate has been held between the candidates for school board. That leaves voters with less information than they deserve.
My Democrat opponent recently suggested that political views and personal ideology should not factor into a school board race. I strongly disagree. Beliefs are not set aside when someone walks into a board meeting. They shape every meaningful choice the board makes. From what is taught in the classroom and how student safety is handled, to whether parents are kept informed and how public money is spent. Voters have every right to know where a candidate stands before election day.
A member of our community has publicly asked my opponent seven specific questions to gain a better understanding of where she stands on certain issues. These questions deserve clear answers. I will answer them myself, openly and without hesitation, as a Republican, a conservative, and a Christian.
1. What counts as political indoctrination in our schools, and what would you change?
Any curriculum or policy that prioritizes political ideology, identity politics, or social agendas over academic excellence, parental authority, and objective truth. I will vote to remove or reject materials and programs that push partisan viewpoints or undermine biological reality and parental rights.
2. When you say religion belongs at home, does that reach student-led prayer, a coach who prays with his team, or religious material on a library shelf? Where exactly is your line?
Student-led prayer and a coach voluntarily praying with his team are protected expressions of faith under the First Amendment and should be allowed. Religious material may be present in libraries as long as it is not used to force belief on students. The line is clear: no student should ever be forced to participate in religious activity.
3. Should girls’ sports be reserved for biological females?
Yes. Biological males should not compete in girls’ sports. Fairness, safety, and equal opportunity for female athletes matter.
4. Should restrooms and locker rooms remain separated by biological s*x?
Yes. Privacy, safety, and dignity require that restrooms and locker rooms be separated by biological s*x.
5. Should parents be notified before a school begins using a different name or pronouns for their minor child?
Yes. Parents are the primary decision-makers for their children. Schools must notify parents and should not keep secrets from them on matters of gender identity.
6. Should s*xually explicit material be removed from school libraries?
Yes. Age-inappropriate and s*xually explicit content has no place in school libraries accessible to minors. Materials should be reviewed and removed when they fail basic standards of appropriateness for children.
7. Which parts of my party’s education approach do I support, and which do I reject?
I support policies that prioritize academic excellence, parental rights, financial accountability, school safety, and career and technical education that prepares students for real life. I reject approaches that elevate ideology over merit, weaken parental authority, or treat biological s*x as irrelevant.
I am not attacking my opponent. She is a good person who has contributed to this community, and reasonable people can disagree. But when you place your name on a ballot, you accept the responsibility to tell voters where you stand. Silence or deflection is not transparency.
I have answered these questions in public. I challenge my opponent to do the same, clearly, directly, and for the record, so the people of District 5 can make an informed decision.
It matters who governs.
Beliefs shape votes.
Votes shape policies
And policies shape the future of our children.
I am Mark Gravelle, the Republican candidate for District 5 Cleveland City School Board. I am asking for your vote and your support. Please vote early if you have not already, and please share this post so more parents and taxpayers see where the candidates actually stand.
Thank you.
