Board Members

 Board President 

  Email Mr. Yeater

 

 

 

Biography

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 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.

 Vice-President
 Student Achievement Liaison

  Email Ms. Turk

 

 

 

Biography

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

Having lived in the district for twelve years, Ms. 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. Ms. 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, Ms. 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, Ms. 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, Ms. Turk has continuously pursued entrepreneurial learning through various programs and courses.

Additionally, Ms. 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.

Ms. 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, Ms. 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, Ms. 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, Ms. 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, Ms. Turk is a valuable asset to the Hillsdale Board of Education.

 Board Member

 Small School District Advisory Network Representative

  Email Mr. Burkholder

 

 

 

Biography

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.

 Board Member

Email Mr. Hoffman 

Biography

Dedicated to serving the community he has called home for nearly four decades, Mr. Mark Hoffman brings experience related to both education and agriculture to the Hillsdale Local Schools Board of Education.

A retired Hillsdale teacher with 36 years of service to the district, he began his current term on the Board in January 2026.

Mr. Hoffman earned both his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Master of Science degrees from The Ohio State University.

Having lived in the district for 38 years, he chose to sit on the Board to serve the community by helping guide the district's success for future generations.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Board Member

Ashland County-West Holmes Career Center Board   Representative

 Email Mr. Smith

Biography

Mr. Steve Smith, a lifelong resident of the Hillsdale community, is deeply rooted in the district’s history and values. A proud Hillsdale graduate (‘95), he then earned an Associate’s Degree in 1998 from The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute.

Mr. Smith operates Denny Smith Farms, LLC, carrying forward a nearly 200-year Smith family legacy of farming in the area. 

His strong connection to the Hillsdale community, combined with his passion for ensuring the district’s continued excellence, led him to serve on the Hillsdale Board of Education from 2012-2016 and currently, beginning in 2024 when he was appointed to replace a mid-term vacancy.

As a dedicated community member, Mr. Smith serves as assistant treasurer and an active member of Mohicanville Community Church. 

He and his wife, Kelly, are proud parents to three children: a 2023 Hillsdale graduate, a current high school student, and a middle schooler. 

His commitment to Hillsdale is rooted not only in his family’s long history but also in his desire to see the district thrive and provide a superior education for future generations.