Couple hope to fill two seats on Winton Woods board

Voters will choose two candidates from among six on the Winton Woods school ballot in November, but this race is not typical. Among those candidates is a married couple.

Katrina and Sean Rugless of Springfield Township don’t consider themselves opponents. Each is vying for one of the two open seats, and they say they complement each other.

“We collectively have over 20 years of community service and volunteerism,” Sean said. “We are supportive of investing in schools.”

Sean Rugless is president and CEO of the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce. The 17-year Springfield Township resident has experience in economic development initiatives and serves on several civic boards. His experience also includes teaching as an adjunct instructor at the University of Cincinnati.

Katrina Rugless is the director of CState Accelerate at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College. The program works with first generation, low income students, to help accelerate their pace by completing a degree and transferring to a four-year college or entering the work force.

The couple has two school-age children who do not attend Winton Woods schools, but they said their hope is that the schools improve to a level that they are comfortable enrolling them in the future.

“Our school district is not performing and has a gap with other districts in Hamilton County,” Sean said.

“I have been working in our community to make connections among the poor who make up Winton Woods school district,” Katrina said. “I’ve seen some parents and community members get more engaged in the process and begin working toward a shared goal.

“This was the time to run. We can fill the gaps within the districts.”

The Ruglesses campaign individually, and as a pair. They are hoping their complementary skills and experience in education and economic development will attract voters.

“When we’re campaigning, it comes into the conversation,” Sean said of voters noticing the same last name on the campaign materials. “We have a common agenda and are knocking on the same doors.”