President
Email Dawn Forton
TE = 12/31/2030

Dawn Forton has been an integral part of the Pennfield community for 35 years, with both of her children graduating from Pennfield Schools. Elected to the Pennfield School Board on November 6, 2018, Dawn is dedicated to ensuring that Pennfield students receive the best education possible and that their interests are always prioritized.

Dawn's main focus is preparing students for their futures, whether they are heading to college, the military, trade school, or the workforce. She is committed to inspiring all learners and helping them become responsible, successful members of society. Dawn values the collaborative effort involved in her role on the Board, which includes working with the superintendent, administrators, teachers, students, and the community to create a vision and set goals that align with the district’s values and priorities.

In her role, Dawn emphasizes the importance of setting policy, planning the budget, hiring a District Superintendent, and maintaining strong community connections. Above all, she is dedicated to providing every student in the district with the education they deserve and ensuring their success. Dawn is committed to continuing her work alongside the community, always with a focus on putting students first.

Vice President
Email
TE = 12/31/2030

Stephen Herbstreith brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his role as a board member at Pennfield Schools. With a career rooted in public service as a police officer, Stephen has spent significant time as a school resource officer, gaining invaluable insights into school dynamics and fostering vital connections within the community. His role in enhancing student and staff safety has equipped him with a unique perspective on the importance of secure and supportive learning environments.

Stephen’s primary motivation for joining the board is to make a meaningful impact on the educational experience at Pennfield Schools. He is committed to leveraging his background in law enforcement to ensure that students and staff have a safe and conducive environment for teaching and learning. His focus is on continuous learning and growth, both for himself and for the school community.

Stephen envisions Pennfield Schools as a place where educators are eager to build their careers and where parents are enthusiastic about enrolling their children. His passion for improving educational settings and community engagement drives his efforts to make Pennfield Schools a beacon of excellence and safety.

Secretary
Email Sarah Jones
TE = 1/1/2027

With over 21 years of experience as an educator, Sarah Jones has developed a deep understanding of the day-to-day workings of schools, having taught at both the middle school and elementary levels. This extensive experience provides Sarah with a unique perspective on the impact that a school board has on a district’s students, staff, and overall educational environment. Motivated by a desire to make a significant impact at a higher level, Sarah joined the board to support and enhance the educational experience for all stakeholders. Their passion for teaching and learning fuels her commitment to advancing student outcomes and fostering a positive school environment.

During her term on the board, Sarah has been instrumental in several key initiatives including overseeing the adoption of new curriculum materials aimed at improving student learning and achievement, passing a bond measure to upgrade the district's infrastructure, which includes enhancements to facilities, athletics programs, and overall district aesthetics., and contributing to the selection of a new superintendent, ensuring strong leadership for the district's future.

Sarah is focused on achieving several important goals that aim to see positive results of the new curriculum through improved student achievement data and increased teacher satisfaction. Sarah is also committed to boosting student involvement in school activities by creating more opportunities for engagement. Furthermore, they seek to enhance community involvement by strengthening connections with families and fostering a more collaborative school environment. Driven by a lifelong passion for education, Sarah remains dedicated to making a lasting and positive impact on the district.

Treasurer
Email Tim Wood
TE = 1/1/2027

Tim Wood was elected to the Pennfield School Board in 2020 and currently serves as the Board Treasurer. He actively participates in four subcommittees: Safety, Finance, Policy, and Facilities. Before joining the board, Tim spent 17 years as a carpenter and general contractor. For the past 13 years, he has worked as an independent catastrophic insurance adjuster, traveling to assess structural damage from natural disasters like tornadoes, hurricanes, and wildfires. His work experience has given him the ability to collaborate with a wide range of people and manage complex situations.

Tim's background in the trades provides him with practical insight into maintaining school facilities, a valuable asset as the district implements its bond to improve buildings and better serve students' needs. His experience as an adjuster has also helped him approach decision-making from multiple perspectives. Tim became a school board member during the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by concerns over the impact of remote learning on children. He strongly advocated for reopening schools for in-person learning to support students' education and social development.

Tim is proud of his contributions to several key initiatives, including reopening schools for in-person learning, revising grading scales for Advanced Placement, Math, and Science courses, and introducing new extracurricular activities to create more opportunities for all students. As a proud father of three Pennfield graduates and one current Pennfield student, Tim is dedicated to making the district a place where every student can thrive. His commitment to enhancing academics, fostering community involvement, and expanding extracurricular activities continues to shape his work on the board as he helps move Pennfield forward. – Learn, Grow, Lead!

Trustee
Email Austin Brown
TE =12/31/28

Austin Brown was elected to the Pennfield School Board on November 5, 2024. With a background in labor and unions, Austin’s career has been marked by dedication to advocacy, problem-solving, and leadership. His experience in the labor movement has equipped him with skills in member support, issue resolution, and making tough decisions for the collective good—qualities that have proven essential to his role on the school board.

Austin’s decision to join the board stemmed from his desire to make Pennfield a district that parents are eager to choose for their children’s education and where educators are drawn to work. Throughout his term, Austin’s goals include driving transparency in board decisions and building stronger, collaborative relationships within the district. He is dedicated to creating an environment of trust and mutual respect, ensuring Pennfield schools remain a welcoming and thriving space for students, families, and staff alike.

Trustee
Email Brad Crandall
TE = 1/1/2029

Brad Crandall, appointed to the Pennfield School Board in June 2020 and elected to a six-year term in November 2022, is deeply rooted in his community and agricultural heritage. Co-owner and operator of Crandall Dairy Farms LLC with his brother Mark, Brad manages a fifth-generation family farm established in 1883, where they milk 350 Holstein cows three times a day and farm 800 acres.

Brad has previously served on two different agricultural co-op boards, but his commitment to service extends beyond agriculture. Driven by a desire to enhance community cohesion and ensure that students receive the best educational experience possible, Brad joined the Pennfield School Board to advocate for both the parents and taxpayers, aiming to foster pride in the district’s educational standards.

Trustee
Email Jennifer Sheldon
TE = 12/31/2026

Superintendent
Email Stephanie Lemmer