Mary Cleveland

My Whimsical Journey: An Adventure in Education, Community, and Everyday Joy

Hey there, fabulous and adventurous readers! I’m Mary Cleveland, and I’m thrilled to welcome you to my little corner of the

internet. Buckle up for a ride through my world where education, community service, and the simple joys of everyday life

intertwine in the most delightful ways.

Education Enthusiast Extraordinaire

I'm a proud graduate of an Ohio public school, who attended a

school for creative and performing arts my first two years of high

school and completed my last two years at a career technical school.

In November 2013, I embarked on an incredible journey by joining

the Princeton City Schools Board of Education. Since then, I've been

re-elected for a fourth term where I continue to pour my heart and

soul into making our schools the best they can be. My mission? To

work hand-in-hand with students, parents, faculty, staff, and our

wonderful community to create a stellar educational experience.

But wait, there's more! In January 2014, I found myself on another

exhilarating journey when I was appointed to the Board of Directors

of the Great Oaks Career Campuses, one of the largest Career Tech

Education (CTE) districts in the nation. Fast forward to 2023 and there

I was, re-appointed for a third term, becoming the Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees! January 2018 brought another

twist in the tale as I joined the Ohio School Boards Association, Southwest Region Executive Committee and the Board

of Trustees of the Ohio School Boards Association in 2020. In 2023, I was named a 2024 Fellow of School Board Partners

who selected 75 Education leaders across the United States to embark on a year long program to enhance our leadership

skills within the disticts we serve. I was ecstatic to have the opportunity to sharpen my saw alongside some incredible

school board members from across the country! And just when I thought things couldn't get any more exciting, recently

, (like just a few weeks ago) the gavel was passed to me as I was named the Ohio School Boards Association 2026

President where I will work with and represent all 700 school districts across Ohio, providing me with another wonderful

opportunity to serve 1.6M students at the highest levels!

This educational journey has been an incredible honor with many twists and turns leading to amazing outcomes for our

students! Each role has been my playground for creating educational magic and filled with opportunities to make a

difference.

A Dash of Career Magic

With a diverse career spanning corporate, education, legal and non-profit sectors, I've become a bit of a problem-solving

wizard. As a certified mediator, I bring a treasure trove of knowledge in human resources, operations, facility management,

business, and law. I proudly hold a Bachelor of Business Administration from Thomas More University and a Juris Doctorate

from Salmon P. Chase College of Law. Oh, and did I mention I obtained a certification from the Executive Service Corps of

Cincinnati’s (ESCC) Executive Curriculum for Emerging Leaders (EXCEL) program? Quite the mouthful, I know!

Volunteering: My Happy Place

Volunteering is where my heart truly sings. Recognized in "Who’s Who in Black Cincinnati" as a community leader, I’ve had

the joy of working with the Great Rivers Council of the Girl Scouts of America, the Down Syndrome Association of Greater

Cincinnati, the National Vitiligo Foundation, the American Heart Association, and many other amazing organizations. I

currently serve as an adviser to some remarkable nonprofits including the Neuro Visual Institute, and the Preston Brown

and Nuway Foundations.

Life’s Sweet Moments

Now, let’s sprinkle in a little personal magic! I’ve been married to my wonderful husband, Errol, a retired City of Cincinnati

Firefighter Captain and Safety Officer, for 40 years. Together, we’ve raised four incredible children, Erin, Mallory, Elayna,

and Maxwell, who have all had their unique journeys through Princeton City Schools, from gifted programs to special

needs. We also have three amazing grandchildren, Layla, Lucas and Xochitl, the next generation of Princeton Vikings.

My family’s diverse educational experiences have deepened my commitment to creating inclusive and enriching

environments for all students.

I have been honored with many awards over the years with the most recent received this year where I was presented with

the 2024 Ohio Association for Career and Technical Education Career Tech Outstanding Board Member. It's a fancy way

of saying that my hard work and dedication haven’t gone unnoticed, and I couldn't be more grateful.

Join Me on My Whimsical Blog Adventure!

Now, here's where the real fun begins! On my blog, I’ll be sharing a little bit of everything:

Education Resources & Board Tips: Practical advice and insider tips for navigating the world of education and

school boards.

Travel Escapades: Stories and tips from my adventures around the globe.

Parenting & GrandParenting Insights: Real talk on raising kids, from toddler tantrums to adulting triumphs.

Foodie Fun: Delicious recipes, restaurant reviews, and culinary adventures.

Self-Care & Inspiration: Tips for finding balance, staying motivated, and living your best life.

Home & Garden: Taking care of your environment both inside and outside.

Random Thoughts: Who knows what may present itself - but if its worth sharing, well I will!

Join the Fun!

So, grab a cup of coffee (or tea, if that’s your thing), kick back, and let’s embark on this whimsical journey together.

Whether you’re here for some savvy educational advice, a peek into my travel diary, or just a bit of everyday inspiration,

I’m excited to share this journey with you. Let’s explore, learn, and laugh together as we navigate this beautiful adventure

called life.

Welcome aboard! Here’s to making our world a little brighter, one blog post at a time!

Yours Truly 'Living Life with Intention',

- Mary

Posted September 1, 2024