Articles - Sharon L. Kennedy

Justice Sharon L. Kennedy recently presided over the swearing-in ceremony of nearly a dozen new members of the State Board of Education.

Justice Kennedy administered the oath to 11 board members at a January 14 meeting where the board re-elected Debe Terhar as board president and Tom Gunlock as vice president.

The State Board of Education sets education policy and directs the planning and evaluative functions of Ohio's public schools, as well as appoints the superintendent of public instruction. The board is made up of 19 members, including 11 elected and eight appointed members.

"As the product of the public school system, I attribute my career path to the teachers who encouraged me along the way," Justice Kennedy said. "Therefore, I was honored to swear in the newest members of the State Board of Education."

Justice Kennedy is serving her first term on the Supreme Court of Ohio. Prior to joining the Supreme Court, Justice Kennedy served at the Butler County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division since 1999. Justice Kennedy served as the administrative judge there from 2005 until December 2012. Justice Kennedy began her career in the justice system as a police officer in Hamilton, Ohio. She received her law degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law.