Strongsville School Board Election Features Four Candidates

A highly contested race for the Strongsville school board is set for the general election on November 4, 2024, featuring incumbent Hayley Christine Stovcik and three challengers: Christa Grywalsky Heckman, Megan Haffner, and Eric Wahl. This election will be pivotal, as the top two vote-getters will secure four-year terms, and with current member Kevin Griffin opting not to run for a full term after his appointment in June, at least one newcomer will join the board.

Early voting begins on October 7, 2024, leading up to the election where candidates will vie for positions to influence educational policies and community engagement within the district. The race is nonpartisan, meaning candidates do not run under political party labels, yet their affiliations provide context for voters.

Candidate Profiles

Christa Grywalsky Heckman is a 46-year-old attorney with a background in systems and control engineering from Case Western Reserve University. She has previously sought a position on the school board in 2020, 2021, and 2025 but has not yet secured a seat. Heckman emphasizes her commitment to improving public schools amidst evolving challenges. She aims to create sound policies that balance compliance with the needs of students and community.

“I want to serve this community,” Heckman states. “Public schools are facing many challenges, and laws are changing quickly. The need for rapid response and sound, lasting policy creation is unprecedented.” She is particularly focused on improving communication with parents and residents about issues that matter to them.

Heckman’s campaign website can be found at heckmanforstrongsville.com.

Another candidate, Megan Haffner, is a 27-year-old risk management quality control specialist at Third Federal Savings & Loan. She is a Strongsville High School graduate and has previously applied for a board position in 2025. Haffner is committed to financial transparency and aims to leverage her financial expertise to enhance the district’s educational infrastructure.

“I want to keep Strongsville schools strong and maintain our excellence in academics, athletics, and arts,” Haffner notes, highlighting the importance of understanding fund allocation and responding to the district’s needs effectively.

Her campaign website is haffner4strongsville.com.

The final challenger, Eric Wahl, 49, serves as a global activation leader at Ernst & Young. With a degree in marketing and a minor in political science from Miami University, Wahl has also previously applied for a board seat. He believes Strongsville’s reputation as a desirable location for families hinges on strategic leadership within the school system.

“Strongsville has just earned recognition as America’s #6 hottest real estate market,” Wahl explains. “Our challenge is real: Elementary buildings from the 1960s, while families have expanding alternative educational choices.” He advocates for modernizing facilities and launching new educational programs that prepare students for the future job market.

Wahl’s campaign website is VoteWahl.com.

Implications of the Election

The upcoming election is particularly significant due to the absence of Griffin, which opens a path for at least one new candidate to join the board. As Strongsville schools navigate challenges related to funding and infrastructure, the elected officials will play a crucial role in shaping policies that affect education quality and community engagement.

With the election drawing near, local residents are encouraged to engage with candidates, share their concerns, and participate in the voting process to influence the future of education in Strongsville.