Amanda Gordon was appointed as the new school board president of Wadsworth City Schools for the 2025-2026 school year and Tim Beck was appointed as vice president.

The positions were appointed on January 8, when the board had an organizational meeting to establish roles and take oaths of office in the Wadsworth High School Performing Arts Center. 

School board presidents have certain duties and specific powers set forth in the Ohio law. Overall, the board president helps to set agendas for the board and can call and run the board meetings. The board president is authorized to sign different agreements and contracts of the board and usually takes the place of spokesperson for the board as well.

When the president is unavailable or unable to act out a duty, the vice president carries them out in the place of the president.

Amanda Gordon has been a 25-year resident of the Wadsworth district, and both of her children have been Wadsworth graduates as well. 

“I really love the kids of this community and have been blessed to be able to work with many amazing families over multiple areas including academics as well as the arts and athletics,” Gordon said. “I personally had an incredible educational foundation, and I know firsthand how important that has been to me. Wadsworth has many similar attributes and parallels as the district I grew up in as a kid in Stark County. I wanted the same experience and opportunities for my kids and this community and wanted to do everything I can to make that happen.”

Tim Beck’s family is also quite involved within the community, as he has two children who have graduated from WHS and are now in college, alongside a son that is in WHS currently. 

“I love and appreciate all of the nine schools that are a part of the Wadsworth City School district,” Beck said. “I ran for school board to help them all succeed.”

For Beck, this is his second year on the board, and he is looking forward to serving with Ms. Gordon, as well as Julie Batey, Jill Stevens and Gary McComas.

“I have already learned so much,” Beck said. “I love interacting with the teachers and students, hearing stories of how they are growing and succeeding. I’ve also learned the importance of having a listening ear. With such a large school district, there will always be challenges. When challenges arise, I’m confident our board will do the work to find practical solutions.”

Gordon is on her third term within the school board, holding many different leadership positions both on Wadsworth’s school board, as well as other boards and groups with whom she has worked since high school, throughout college and law school, and in her professional life. 

“I always look for ways to serve my community,” Gordon said. “Being able to assume a leadership role on our board of education is a tremendous opportunity for meaningful community service.” 

In this term, Beck wants to look at his position as an opportunity to serve the school and community in a unique way. He believes great things can be accomplished through kindness and gratitude.

“We all want what’s best for our students, teachers and families,” Beck said. “Everyone deserves a chance. Our hope is that they all succeed both in and out of the classroom, if they thrive, the community thrives.”

Gordon says she loves being on the front lines fighting for the community’s kids every day and wants to do all she can for the Wadsworth community.

“Our District and community continue to face challenges in educating our children,” Gordon said. “In my mind, there is no higher responsibility of our society than to fortify our kids with the education, opportunities and skills they need to be successful members of the community when they grow up. It’s hard work to fulfill this duty, and there are many obstacles that we need to maneuver to make it happen. With the other members of the board of education and our administration, I want to continue the work to provide the best educational experience and results possible for our kids.”