STRONGSVILLE, Ohio – The Strongsville school board will have two new members starting in January.
Hayley Christine Stovcik, elected to the school board for the first time in 2021, has withdrawn her bid for re-election this fall. Her name will not appear on the ballot.
Meanwhile, Kevin Griffin – appointed to the school board in June to replace Sharon Kilbane, who resigned from the board – is not running for a full term. His current term expires in December.
That leaves political newcomers Christa Grywalsky Heckman, Megan Haffner and Eric Wahl running for school board seats.
The election is Nov. 4. Early voting starts Oct. 7. The top two vote-getters will win four-year terms on the school board.
Here are profiles and photos of the three candidates.
The race is nonpartisan, meaning the candidates are running without partisan labels. However, their political affiliations are included here to provide additional background for voters.
Candidate: Christa A. Grywalsky Heckman
Age: 46
Street: North Greystone Drive
Occupation: “I am an attorney, licensed to practice in Ohio since 2006. I left my prior employment at Zashin & Rich (in Cleveland) in 2020 to manage familial responsibilities during COVID, and am working toward opening my own full-time legal practice to be based in Strongsville.”
Prior elected office or campaign: Applied unsuccessfully to fill vacant Strongsville school board seats in 2020, 2021 and 2025.
Education: Bachelor of science degree in systems and control engineering and law degree, Case Western Reserve University
Family: Husband Jason; daughter Evelyn, 10, and twins Alice and Andrew, 6.
Political party: Democrat
Why are you running? “I am running because I want to serve this community. I would be honored to help shepherd the district into the best version of itself.
“Public schools are facing many challenges, and laws are changing quickly. The need for rapid response and sound, lasting policy creation is unprecedented. As a lawyer, I am ready to craft lasting policies that our district needs to remain compliant, while considering the best interests of our students and community.
“I am a strong litigator and vocal advocate, but I am also experienced in collaboration, cooperative conflict resolution and mediation. These skills will be imperative as Strongsville City Schools navigates funding challenges, and assures fiscal solvency and funding for necessary capital improvements into 2026 and beyond.
“I have children in the district and I have a vested interest in the schools, and I talk to parents every single day. I hear their concerns regarding important topics such as IEP and 504 needs, drug, alcohol, and vape worries, transportation frustrations, social media use and abuse, bullying issues and more. I am also a homeowner, and I have spoken with many residents about financial concerns and I am keenly aware of the need for prudent stewardship of public funds.
“Further, the board and administration can and must do better in communication with the community, and I aim to be readily available to all constituents, to learn and address all concerns. You deserve to be heard, and I aim to listen. I look forward to working with you.”
Candidate website: heckmanforstrongsville.com
Candidate: Megan Haffner
Age: 27
Street: Westwind Court
Occupation: Risk management quality control specialist at Third Federal Savings & Loan.
Prior elected office or campaign: Applied unsuccessfully to fill vacant Strongsville school board seat in 2025.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in human resources and employment law, Arizona State University; graduate certificates in project management from Colorado State University and business management from Columbia University.
Family: Single
Political party: Republican
Why are you running? “I’m a proud graduate of Strongsville City Schools, and want every current and future Mustang to have the same great experience I did. I currently see a need for financial transparency within our district. I want to be the person to bring that transparency to our residents. With my current financial background, I am accustomed to breaking down large numbers into more digestible and understandable terms. With our current aging elementary school infrastructure, I find it important to have someone on the board who understands fund allocation, re-allocation and how to properly respond to risk-averse situations. I want to keep Strongsville schools strong and maintain our excellence in academics, athletics and arts.
Candidate website: haffner4strongsville.com/
Candidate: Eric Wahl
Age: 49
Street: Kylemore Drive
Occupation: Global activation leader, EY (Ernst & Young, a multinational accounting firm)
Prior elected office or campaign: Applied unsuccessfully to fill vacant Strongsville school board seat in 2025.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in marketing, minor in political science, Miami University.
Family: Wife Mindy; children Wyatt, 20, Archer, 18, and Emmett, 16.
Political party: Republican
Why are you running? “Strongsville has just earned recognition as America’s #6 hottest real estate market, as families choose us for our excellent schools. That advantage isn’t guaranteed; it’s earned through strategic leadership.
“As a 20+ year resident whose three sons are Mustangs, I’ve seen both our strengths and critical needs. My work at EY at the intersection of people and technology, particularly AI implementation, gives me unique insight into how rapidly our students’ future is changing.
“Our challenge is real: Elementary buildings from the 1960s, while families have expanding alternative educational choices. We can’t coast on past reputation when competitors offer cutting-edge facilities and programs.
“My vision: Make Strongsville the premier public academy in Ohio, the district families choose first.
“Key priorities: Replace aging elementary schools with modern facilities that protect property values and attract families. Launch an entrepreneurial learning track partnering with local businesses, giving every student real-world problem-solving skills, internships and industry certifications. Become Ohio’s first AI-ready district, preparing students for tomorrow’s economy while teaching critical thinking about technology.
“All accomplished through transparent quarterly reporting, creative funding via business partnerships and grants and fiscal discipline that expands opportunities without raising taxes.
“Every student will graduate college-ready, career-ready or certification-ready. Every taxpayer dollar will deliver measurable results. Every family will see why Strongsville represents exceptional value.
“Ohio’s education landscape is changing rapidly. We can lead that change or get left behind.
“Ready for Tomorrow isn’t just a slogan. It’s our promise to make Strongsville academically stronger, financially sound and unmistakably forward-looking.”
Candidate website: VoteWahl.com