Board of Education Members | www.hillsdale.k12.oh.us

The 5-member Board of Education poses together.

Mrs. Vella King (term Expires 12/31/2025)

President

Biography

Mrs. King graduated from Shelby Senior High School and North Central State College with a degree in Computer Science. She is retired from Grange Insurance Company, where she worked in the IT department in various roles, including her last position as a web development project leader. She is a 4H advisor and an OSU Master Gardener volunteer at Secrest Arboretum. In addition to volunteering with youth and gardening, her hobbies include reading, knitting and paper crafts.

She is married to David King and they have two children, Jeremy, a 1991 graduate of Hillsdale High School, and Jessica, a 1995 graduate of Hillsdale High School. They have three grandchildren who reside in the district: Caleb, a 2021 graduate, Gabe, a 2023 graduate, and Julia, a 9th grader. Mrs. King's grandchildren are the reason she first chose to run for the Hillsdale Board of Education in 2013. At that time, the district was in fiscal caution, had a reduction-in-force in staff and had cut programs. "This was not the school I wanted my grandchildren or any other students to attend. From 2014 to the present, Hillsdale has come a long way, thanks to the teamwork of the board, staff, students and the community," Mrs. King said.

Mr. Jon Burkholder (Term Expires 12/31/2027)

jburkholder@hillsdalelocalschools.org

Mr. Jon Burkholder brings a wealth of experience to the Hillsdale Local Schools Board as a retired educator with over 28 years of service as an Automotive Technology instructor at the Ashland County-West Holmes Career Center. Holding a vocational certificate from Kent State University, he has deep roots in the community, having resided in the Hillsdale district for 32 years.

Newly elected to the Hillsdale Board of Education with his term beginning in January 2024, Mr. Burkholder is currently the Board’s representative to the Small School District Advisory Network. As a member of the SSDAN, he plays an integral role in contributing to discussions and initiatives aimed at addressing the unique challenges and opportunities facing small school districts, exemplifying his commitment to enhancing education within the community.

Driven by a belief in the power of community involvement, Mr. Burkholder views Board service as a vital way to give back and shape the future of education in the district.

Beyond his educational pursuits, he enjoys spending quality time with his family, camping, and exploring new destinations.

Mr. Burkholder and his wife, Sandy, are proud parents of two sons, Heath and Lee, who graduated from Hillsdale High School, further reinforcing his personal investment in the district's success. While he is focused on serving the community through the Board, Mr. and Mrs. Burkholder also run a nonprofit organization, Pathfinder Farms, which is dedicated to guiding and nurturing the journey of young individuals, fostering their growth and development.

Mr. Kenneth Schuck (term expires 12/31/2025)

Board Member

kschuck@hillsdalelocalschools.org

Biography

Mr. Schuck graduated in 1987 from Ashland High School and the Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute in 1989. He has been employed at Ashland Tractor Sale for 24 years, where he has been parts manager for 14 years. He served on the Hillsdale School Board from 2001 until 2014. He was re-elected, assuming his current duties in 2022. He is a Life Member of the National FFA Alumni and a Past Ohio FFA Alumni President. Mr. Schuck is a member of the Hayesville Lions Club and has served as Ohio Lions District 2 Second and First Vice District Governor and was District Governor for 2019-2020. He recently completed his year as Ohio Lions Council Chairman, which is the presiding officer for the state Lions organization. He and his wife Darlene live in the Hillsdale School District with their son Michael and daughter Stephanie. The family raises beef, sheep, hay and straw on the family farms.

Mrs. Melinda Turk (Term Expires 12/31/2027)

Student Achievement Liaison

mturk@hillsdalelocalschools.org

Mrs. Melinda Turk is a small business owner with a strong commitment to community service and education.

Having lived in the district for twelve years, Mrs. Turk is invested in the success of Hillsdale. This dedication led her to join the Hillsdale Board of Education in January 2024 to be a part of student success, district advancement and community involvement. Mrs. Turk is driven by a desire to be actively involved in shaping the future of the district, ensuring that decisions are made with a neutral voice and an unbiased perspective based on facts.

Currently serving as the Student Achievement Liaison on the Board, Mrs. Turk is committed to reviewing and updating policies to better align with the evolving educational landscape. She firmly believes that meaningful change is best achieved through active participation, rather than from the sidelines.

Professionally, she has been honored and recognized by the Ohio Senate for attaining a remarkable record of service to the area, earning the gratitude and appreciation of many satisfied customers.

With grit and perseverance through business trial and error, Mrs. Turk has firmly established herself as a successful small business owner in the local community, amassing over a decade of invaluable experience. Her journey includes certifications as a Woman Owned Business (both WBE and WOSB designations), underscoring the depth of expertise she brings to the table.

After graduating from Ashland High School in 1995 and earning an Associate's degree from the Academy of Court Reporting in 1997, Mrs. Turk has continuously pursued entrepreneurial learning through various programs and courses.

Additionally, Mrs. Turk has served as a board member at the Montessori School of Wooster for six years, currently holding the position of Vice President after previously serving as Secretary.

Mrs. Turk's dedication to community involvement extends to Hillsdale as well. She is an active member of the Hillsdale Strategic Planning Committee focusing on academics and is involved in both the Hillsdale Athletic and Academic Booster clubs. Furthermore, Mrs. Turk shares her passion for baseball as a coach for the Hillsdale Pony League Summer Baseball team.

In addition to her professional and community commitments, Mrs. Turk is a proud alumna of Leadership Ashland, having graduated in 2018. She is also engaged in various committees focused on community development, finance, and fundraising at the Montessori School. Alongside her business endeavors, she is an active member of the Richland County and Ashland Area Chambers of Commerce for over 15 years.

Outside of her professional and community roles, Mrs. Turk enjoys reading, traveling, and spending quality time with her two children, Kyle and Morgan.

With a wealth of experience, a dedication to community betterment, and a passion for student success, Mrs. Turk is a valuable asset to the Hillsdale Board of Education.

Mr. Keith Yeater (term expires 12/31/2025)

kyeater@hillsdalelocalschools.org

Mr. Keith Yeater is a lifelong resident of the Hillsdale district, having lived here all his life. With a Master's in Business Administration, he brings valuable expertise as a Business Consultant to the Hillsdale Local Schools Board, where he is serving his first term.

Motivated by a desire to give back to the community that has given so much to him and his family, Mr. Yeater sees this role as a way to express gratitude for the strong foundation provided by his parents and the greater Hillsdale community.

Watching his own children thrive at HHS has reinforced his belief in the value of a small school system led by dedicated educators and coaches. He is committed to helping preserve and extend this tradition.

In addition to his role on the board, Mr. Yeater is actively involved in the community. He is a member of Stone Lutheran Church, where he has served in various capacities, including council president. He is also the incoming president of the Hayesville Lions Club.

Outside his professional and community commitments, Mr. Yeater enjoys woodworking and traveling, carrying on a cherished family tradition.

He is the youngest son of the first HHS Principal and second Superintendent of Hillsdale, Mr. Gene Yeater. Since marrying his spouse, Heidi, in 1992, they have been proud to live in the school district and raise their three children, Laura, William, and Sarah, within this supportive community.