I am the son of a great man who fought bravely for our Democracy during the Korea War and returned to serve the public and protect our communities as a career police officer. I am the son of a great woman who also served the public as a social worker and a nurse. Together, my parents raised five children, insisted on a public-school education, and through persistence and hard work, we each earned college degrees.
My wife Jodi and I live in Solon, Ohio and will celebrate our 30th anniversary on the day before Election Day. I came to the area for a job and stayed for the community. Our son and daughter benefitted from an excellent public education, from kindergarten through college, and recently launched their careers in Ohio.
I know the challenges that many Ohio students face. I know the power of strong communities and public institutions that help people thrive. I’m running for the State Board of Education to take politics out of the classroom and allow students to learn and teachers to teach. As a Board member, I will work to ensure that every Ohio student can succeed.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in Education, I started my career working for Close Up, a non-profit and non-partisan organization that believes a strong democracy requires active and informed participation by all citizens. Close Up serves young people from all communities and backgrounds, regardless of race, religion, gender, socioeconomic level, or academic standing. Since 1971, over 900,000 students, teachers, and parents have participated in Close Up’s Washington, DC-based programs. Their issue-centric, nonpartisan curriculum is designed to provide participants with a stronger understanding of government institutions, history and current issues, and their roles as citizens.
I moved from this public service role into working for a multi-billion-dollar, Fortune 500 company, helping Progressive Insurance build their operations in the DC market. In 2007, I moved to a small business, I brought my insurance business expertise to the Leverity Insurance Group, where I serve the insurance needs of over 200 families and businesses.
Throughout my career I’ve taken challenges head on. I know how to analyze a situation to find the best solution and get people working together to achieve a common goal. I’m now ready to use those skills to serve the students, families, teachers, and communities around the state.
I currently serve on the Solon City Schools Strategic Planning Team and as Chairman of the Board of the Solon Chamber of Commerce. I was the Democratic candidate for the Ohio Senate from Cuyahoga County in 2020 and am on the Executive Committee of the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party. Previously, I served as the President of the Solon Democratic Club, on the board of the local youth soccer club and as a lay trustee. I’ve also been a volunteer coach on Solon High School’s cross country and track teams.
I came back to my roots in supporting our strong Democracy, helping great candidates get elected to local School Board, City Council, the Mayor’s office, and the Ohio Statehouse. I understand the issues and know how to engage our community to help those most in need. Now it’s my turn to serve as an elected member of the State Board of Education.
Tom Jackson
Solon, Ohio
August 2022