CPS Board Candidate Marcia Futel Champions Practical Solutions for Lasting Change

Marcia Futel: A Leader Focused on Real Solutions

Having served on the Cincinnati Public Schools Board for eight years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the importance of steady, thoughtful leadership. In these times of change and uncertainty, candidates for the board must offer more than just passion—they must have the experience and temperament to address the tricky parts of our education system. Marcia Futel is one such candidate whose calm, solutions-focused approach gives all stakeholders reason to be optimistic about the future of our schools.

For over 15 years, I have known Marcia both as a dedicated advocate for education and as a person who consistently puts students first. At a time when debates about educational direction are on edge and many decisions feel overwhelming, her approach stands as a refreshing counterpoint to the attention-seeking politics often seen today. Instead, Marcia’s emphasis is on finding solutions that truly benefit students, teachers, and families alike.

Bringing a Clear, Measured Approach to Education

Marcia understands that improving education means more than just implementing new programs; it means facing tangled issues head-on and making decisions that consider the little details often overlooked in the public debate. With a background in financial services and extensive involvement in community service and parent advocacy, she brings a combination of precision and empathy to every discussion.

Understanding the Tricky Parts of Public Education

Public education is riddled with challenges that can feel both intimidating and off-putting at times. The twists and turns of fiscal responsibility, academic achievement, teacher support, and student mental health all require a leader who is comfortable working through complicated pieces of policy. Marcia meets these challenges by:

Studying Issues Thoroughly: She consistently takes a closer look at the issues by digging into all available data and research before reaching a conclusion.
Prioritizing Students: Every decision she makes is centered around what will bring the best outcomes for students.
Engaging All Stakeholders: Marcia actively seeks input from parents, educators, and community leaders, ensuring that every perspective is considered before decisions are made.

Her ability to steer through the confusing bits and manage the tangled issues in public education is what sets her apart as a candidate who is not merely interested in publicity but in real, measurable progress.

Calm, Collaborative, and Outcome-Focused

Marcia’s approach is not characterized by a search for personal attention. Rather, her dedication lies in building bridges between varying interests and ensuring that our schoolboard remains focused on what truly matters: student outcomes. In an environment where many find the challenges of education policy overwhelming, she finds a path forward that is inclusive and collaborative.

Unlike those who might be drawn to flashy rhetoric, Marcia stands out for her steady hand and her willingness to listen. In doing so, she demonstrates a fine balance between acting decisively and making sure her decisions are data-driven and community centered.

Financial Responsibility and Community Advocacy in Action

In any large educational system, financial decisions are a key component that can profoundly affect the quality of education provided. With her solid background in financial services, Marcia brings critical expertise to a board that is required to make tough decisions on budgeting and resource allocation. Her understanding of fiscal responsibility ensures that any investments made in CPS are both sustainable and productive.

Key Areas of Fiscal and Community Impact

Marcia is not only well-versed in the nitty-gritty of financial management, she also has a deep commitment to community service and parent advocacy. This dual perspective allows her to:

Balance Budgets Thoughtfully: With rigorous oversight, she can make sure that every dollar spent is an investment in the future of our children.
Enhance Community Trust: By actively engaging with parents and local organizations, she works on building a community that is informed and united in progress.
Support Teachers and Staff: Her financial insights help in creating programs that support educators, ensuring they have the resources they need to inspire and teach effectively.

This balanced approach means that improvements in the district are not only efficient but also equitable, so that every neighborhood benefits equally from quality education.

Engaging with the Community: A Collaborative Leadership Model

One of the most important pieces of the educational puzzle is a robust connection between the board and the community. In today’s environment—where public education often feels full of problems and loaded with tension—it is essential to have leaders who can find their way through the maze of competing interests and diverse opinions. Marcia’s commitment to open dialogue and her proactive engagement strategy ensures that everyone has a seat at the table.

Strategies for Community Engagement

Marcia believes that an effective school board member must be accessible and responsive to the needs of the community. Some of the ways she plans to stay connected include:

Regular Public Forums: Hosting sessions where parents, teachers, and community members can share their views and ask questions openly.
Enhanced Communication Channels: Implementing reliable ways for constituents to stay in touch via modern technology, such as social media updates and online surveys.
Transparent Decision-Making: Making sure that every decision is well explained, with both the rationale and expected outcomes clearly outlined, so that everyone understands the path being taken.

These efforts are geared toward creating a trustworthy environment where policy is developed through a true partnership between the board and the community. In turn, this partnership helps to dispel many of the intimidating fears that can surround educational reform.

Steering Through Budget Challenges and Resource Allocation

Financial stewardship can often be a nerve-racking aspect of education policy since it demands careful consideration of both current needs and future goals. Marcia’s background in financial services ensures she is more than capable of finding creative ways to manage resources effectively. When tackling the budget, she always aims to focus on what really matters: achieving the best possible outcomes for our students while keeping the system financially sound.

Budget Priorities for a Stronger CPS

Effective resource allocation is not about quick fixes or eye-catching policies—it’s about ensuring that the investments made truly support the long-term educational health of the district. Marcia’s financial strategy is built on several key priorities:

Priority Area	Description
Academic Excellence	Investing in curriculum improvements, state-of-the-art learning tools, and teacher training to uplift academic standards.
Student Wellbeing	Allocating funds to ensure robust support systems are in place for mental health, counseling, and extracurricular activities.
Teacher Support	Providing competitive salaries, continuous professional development, and modern classroom resources.
Infrastructure Improvement	Upgrading school facilities, technology, and safety measures to create a modern, secure learning environment.

By focusing on these priority areas, Marcia is not just making short-term fixes, but rather, she is setting up a roadmap that will keep the district thriving for years to come. Her commitment to integrity and careful budgeting is essential in a time when financial restraints can often lead to heated debates and overwhelming challenges.

A Vision for Academic Excellence and Student Wellbeing

At the heart of CPS is the mission to provide every child with a high-quality education. Marcia’s vision recognizes that academic achievement is closely linked to the overall wellbeing of students. This means ensuring that policies are flexible enough to adapt to the fine points of educational trends and the small distinctions that make a real difference in everyday learning experiences.

Enhancing Academic Achievement

The goal is not simply to raise test scores, but to foster an environment where each student can excel both academically and personally. Marcia’s approach involves several tactical steps:

Innovative Curriculum Initiatives: Encouraging programs that integrate technology and hands-on learning, supporting creativity as well as rote knowledge.
Teacher Empowerment: Investing in teacher training and professional development so that educators are well-equipped to steer their students through both academic challenges and personal growth.
Customized Student Support: Recognizing that every student is unique, Marcia advocates for tailored interventions that address individual needs and foster continuous improvement.

These initiatives are designed to work together as a comprehensive strategy, ensuring that every child is offered a pathway to success regardless of their background or neighborhood.

Addressing Student Mental Health

Just as important as academic prowess is the mental wellbeing of our students. In today’s fast-paced world, where the pressures of school, social media, and family expectations can be nerve-racking, mental health support has become an essential component of educational policy. Marcia believes that:

Increased Support Services: Schools must provide more accessible counseling and mental health resources to help students deal with the confusing bits of stress and anxiety.
Creating Safe School Environments: A positive, supportive atmosphere in schools is key to mitigating the overwhelming pressures that many young people face today.
Holistic Development: Educators should be encouraged to see beyond test scores and to care about the subtle parts of student behavior and emotional well-being.

By focusing on these measures, Marcia aims to create an environment where every child feels safe, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential.

Building Bridges in a Divided Environment

One of the most challenging yet essential roles of an education leader today is bridging the gap between conflicting viewpoints within the community and among board members. In a system that is often on edge due to differing opinions and charged public debates, the ability to build bridges and foster cooperation is more important than ever. Marcia is known for her commitment to dialogue and her capability to figure a path through contentious debate without resorting to polarizing rhetoric.

Cultivating Constructive Dialogue

Working through issues in public education requires a leader who is not startled by the overwhelming mix of opinions that can come from various stakeholders. Marcia’s track record shows that she is skilled at making her way through these situations by:

Maintaining Open Communication: Ensuring that all parties—from parents and teachers to community leaders—feel heard and taken seriously.
Fostering a Safe Space for Ideas: Creating forums where constructive criticism and innovative ideas are welcomed, rather than met with defensiveness or dismissal.
Encouraging Collaborative Problem Solving: Engaging in community meetings and board discussions with a focus on cooperation rather than confrontation.

By nurturing an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding, she paves the way for decisions that are well-informed and broadly supported, an approach that is essential in a time when public education policy can feel loaded with tension and loaded with issues.

Putting Students at the Heart of Every Decision

The reason behind every policy, every budget allocation, and every classroom improvement should be the benefit of the student. Marcia’s record clearly shows that her decisions are rooted in a genuine commitment to the children under her care. Whether it’s through policy changes or direct community engagement, her goal is to leave no student behind.

Equitable Access to Quality Education: Ensuring that the resources and opportunities available to students in affluent neighborhoods are equally available in underfunded areas.
A Focus on Long-Term Success: Recognizing that quick fixes are often unsustainable, and committing instead to policies that promise lasting benefits.
Empowering Future Generations: Believing that proper education is a super important foundation upon which students build their futures, therefore every decision is made with an eye toward nurturing tomorrow’s leaders.

This dedication is exactly what the Cincinnati Public Schools Board needs at a time when the quest for quality education can feel as overwhelming as it is necessary.

Overcoming Intimidating Challenges with Practical Solutions

The current educational landscape is full of problems that can make policy decisions feel both nerve-racking and intimidating. Yet, the solution lies not in dramatic gestures but in steady, practiced problem-solving. Marcia continually shows that she is prepared to work through the convoluted and often intimidating issues that affect the district. Her approach is characterized by a commitment to practical solutions, rather than chasing fleeting attention.

A Practical Blueprint for Change

Marcia’s plan for the school district is built on addressing both the visible and the subtle parts of our educational challenges. Her strategies include:

Data-Informed Decision Making: Utilizing comprehensive research and community feedback to inform every policy move.
Realistic, Step-by-Step Improvements: Implementing changes incrementally to minimize disruption and maximize impact.
Transparent Accountability: Ensuring that every decision is clearly explained, with measurable outcomes and periodic reviews to adapt as necessary.

These careful steps are designed not only to manage immediate issues but also to build a solid foundation that can help CPS weather any future storms. It is this kind of cautious innovation that will lead our district to new heights.

Addressing the Overwhelming Issues Head-On

There is no denying that public education today is riddled with challenges that many view as nerve-racking to address. Issues such as outdated curriculum models, inequities in resources, and the psychological toll of modern academic pressures require leaders who can take a closer look and guide communities through these overwhelming twists and turns. Marcia’s proven ability to take a closer look at both the big picture and the subtle parts of the problem positions her as a leader who can offer a clear, pragmatic path forward.

Her method is simple yet effective: focus on outcomes. Rather than engaging in grandstanding or attention-seeking maneuvers, she channels her energy into actions that yield tangible improvements. This pragmatic approach is exactly what is needed to transform challenges into achievable goals.

Building a Culture of Trust and Responsibility

An effective decision-making process rests on the trust built between the community, educators, and policy makers. Today, that trust is more essential than ever and requires a leader who consistently demonstrates responsibility, both in thought and action. Marcia’s efforts to build and maintain this trust stem from her unwavering commitment to accountability and her transparent method of work.

Key Practices for Establishing Trust

Trust is not built overnight; it requires consistent, reliable actions and a clear commitment to openness. Marcia employs several key practices to ensure the integrity of her leadership:

Open Board Meetings: Encouraging public participation and making detailed minutes available so that community members can keep track of decisions.
Regular Updates: Utilizing digital platforms to share progress reports and future plans with all stakeholders.
Clear Communication: Avoiding jargon and focusing on plain language so that even the complicated pieces of policy are accessible to all.

This approach not only makes the process of education reform more transparent, but it also boosts the confidence that parents, teachers, and community members place in the board’s activities.

A Call to Action for Stakeholders and Voters

In these turbulent times, our school district needs a leader who steers through the overwhelming challenges with calm and clarity—not one who is seeking the spotlight for its own sake. The current climate of public education demands leaders who are not afraid to roll up their sleeves and build bridges among diverse groups to secure a bright future for every student.

The Importance of Electing Thoughtful Leaders

The call to action is clear: every vote for Marcia Futel is a vote for practical change, accountability, and a future where all children have access to key educational opportunities. Those who have served on the board know that it takes more than catchy slogans to bring about real progress. It takes grit, detailed research, and an unwavering commitment to addressing both the standout issues and the little twists that stray into the background.

For Parents: Your insights and concerns are at the heart of Marcia’s approach. By electing a candidate who listens carefully and acts wisely, you support an education environment where your children can thrive.
For Educators: With Marcia’s track record of supporting teacher needs and investing in professional development, you can expect leadership that truly understands the classroom’s practical challenges.
For Community Leaders: Marcia’s proactive efforts to create clear, open channels of communication ensure that community input is valued and integrated into decision-making.

Now more than ever, it is essential for every stakeholder to be informed, engaged, and prepared to back a candidate whose dedication to education shines through in every decision. Together, we can create an environment that not only copes with the confusing bits of modern challenges but also turns them into opportunities for lasting improvement.

The Long-Term Vision for Cincinnati Public Schools

A successful education system is built on a foundation that looks beyond immediate gains and focuses instead on creating a robust framework for long-term success. With Marcia Futel’s well-rounded background in both fiscal management and community engagement, a future of sustained and impactful progress for Cincinnati Public Schools is very much within reach.

The long-term vision includes harnessing technology, modern teaching techniques, and innovative partnerships to provide an environment where every student’s potential is nurtured and celebrated. The goal is to transform the board into a body that not only manages budgets and policies effectively but also sets an inspiring example of how collaborative leadership can overcome even the most intimidating challenges.

Conclusion: A Future Built on Care and Practical Wisdom

In summary, the decision before us is more than a choice between candidates—it is a commitment to a better future for every member of our educational community. Marcia Futel represents a shift away from dramatic, attention-grabbing gestures and toward the steady, practical solutions that our schools so desperately need. Her expertise in managing both the big picture and the confusing, subtle parts of policy-making make her a super important asset to the board.

As we look to the future, let us embrace leadership that is dedicated, thoughtful, and genuinely focused on creating lasting improvements in our public education system. With her calm demeanor, commitment to fiscal responsibility, and consistent emphasis on student welfare, Marcia is well-prepared to help the district find its way through the nerve-racking issues of today and pave the way for an inspiring tomorrow.

Now is the time for every parent, educator, and community member to join together in supporting a leader who not only understands the challenges but also knows how to figure a path to success. Electing Marcia Futel is a commitment to a future where solutions are built on careful research, transparent dialogue, and unwavering emphasis on outcomes that matter most: the success and wellbeing of every child.

Let us stand together with Marcia, confident that our collective vote for steady leadership will move Cincinnati Public Schools forward into an era of greater achievement, improved community trust, and undeniable progress.

Voting for a Future of Practical Change

When casting your vote, consider the myriad aspects of educational success—from strong fiscal governance and effective community engagement to open communication and innovative academic policies. Marcia’s vision does not shy away from the nerve-racking challenges; instead, it equips the board with the practical tools and thoughtful approaches needed to manage every twist and turn along the way.

It is not about the politics of attention but about the effectiveness of actions. For a school district that is committed to making a real difference, electing a candidate with Marcia Futel’s track record is a decisive step towards the kind of sustainable progress we all desperately need.

Encouraging a Collaborative Future

Looking ahead, it is clear that our education system deserves leadership that is both inclusive and forward-thinking. Marcia embodies this ideology by firmly placing students at the center of every initiative and ensuring that every fiscal and policy decision is made with a deep sense of responsibility. Her commitment to building bridges in a divisive environment is a testament to what true collaborative leadership can achieve.

As voters prepare to make an important decision, let us be guided by the principles of practical innovation, community engagement, and transparent governance. Our collective voice can help ensure that every child, teacher, and family in Cincinnati Public Schools benefits from the steady, solution-oriented leadership that Marcia Futel represents.

A Final Word of Endorsement

In conclusion, the ongoing debates and sometimes intimidating challenges within our education system call for a leader who is calm, meticulous, and unafraid to tackle both the overwhelming and the subtle details of policy-making. Marcia Futel is that leader. Her experience, tempered judgment, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of every student are exactly what our board needs to move forward confidently and responsibly.

By focusing on outcomes, managing the tangled issues of educational finance and policy, and continuously engaging with the community, Marcia offers a realistic and compelling path forward for Cincinnati Public Schools. In times where every decision carries significant weight and the stakes are remarkably high, her proven track record provides assurance that our schools will thrive under her guidance.

The future of our public education depends on leaders who are not merely reactive to crises but proactive in building enduring structures for success. With Marcia Futel at the helm, we are assured of a future where every decision is taken with careful consideration, every challenge is met with practical solutions, and every student’s potential is realized to its fullest.

This election is a defining moment for our community. It is a chance to reaffirm our commitment to quality education, fiscal responsibility, and inclusive, transparent governance. Let us choose a future built on clear-headed decision-making and consistent action—a future where every student, parent, and educator feels supported and empowered. Vote for a candidate who is not interested in the fleeting pursuit of attention, but rather, in constructing a system that works, now and for generations to come.

In supporting Marcia Futel for the Cincinnati Public Schools Board, we are choosing a proven leader dedicated to the essential, multifaceted improvements that our schools need. Our children, families, and community will all be stronger for this decision, paving the way for a steadily brighter educational future.

Originally Post From https://www.cincinnati.com/story/opinion/contributors/2025/11/02/marcia-futel-the-clear-choice-for-cincinnati-public-schools-board/86851398007/