Wilmington School Board Candidates for November 4, 2025
- Real Change Wilmington
- Oct 2
- 4 min read
Wilmington City Schools has four candidates campaigning for three seats on school board. Early voting is October 7, 2025 through November 2, 2025. Election Day is November 4, 2025.
A replacement school board member for Bill Liermann, who resigned on September 22, 2025, will be chosen by the current remaining school board members and announced on October 27, 2025. The appointee will serve the remainder of Liermann's term, through December 31, 2027.
Sara Fear
I am Sara Fear, proud Wilmington High School graduate and community leader. With 23 years in banking and a continued education in Marriage, Family, and Human Relations with a minor in Child Development, I bring both professional experience and a deep passion for education. I am active in Wilmington Rotary, Leadership Clinton, youth sports, and my church, and I believe in honesty, open communication, transparency, and safe schools. Though I do not have children of my own, I am “Aunt Sara" to many kids in Wilmington-and l'll fight for every student's success.
Your voice matters. Your vote matters.
Together, we can build a stronger future.
GO CANES!!
(Submitted by Sara Fear)
Kirstin Harris
I’m a Clinton County-raised mom of three who loves to be involved in bettering the community. My husband is a Wilmington graduate, and my boys are in Kindergarten, 2nd, and 7th grade–we are all proud to be Hurricanes! I am actively involved through Wilmington PTO, where I helped bring enrichment opportunities to students, and Kiwanis Club of Clinton County, where I’ve helped create affordable, year-round swim lessons in our area.
After joining the WCS Strategic Planning Committee and seeing the good work that goes on behind the scenes, I decided to run for election for the WCS Board of Education.
If elected, my priorities are as follows:
Support academics by ensuring staff have the resources and support they need, and students feel safe and ready to learn.
Be fiscally transparent and help families understand where funds are going and why.
Celebrate and share the many positive things happening in our schools while addressing existing and future challenges.
I think WCSD is heading in the right direction and I want to be a part of the positive change! I am a parent and community leader who is passionate about our schools, families, and kids. I will listen, learn, and work hard to make decisions I’m proud of. I would be honored to earn your vote. Go Cane!
(Submitted by Kirstin Harris)
Erick Hildebrandt
My name is Erick Hildebrandt, and I am running for a seat on the Wilmington City School Board. I am a 1995 graduate of Wilmington High School and attended Laurel Oaks as an adult student to attain my FAA Airframe and Powerplant rating. I am currently the Director of Aircraft Maintenance for Nationwide Insurance’s corporate flight department in Columbus.
I am a strong supporter of our district as I see the many learning opportunities and diverse set of extracurricular outlets for our students. In addition, Laurel Oaks provides them with a career tech pathway if they so choose.
With that said, we need to strengthen our standardized test scores as this is the best reflection of mastery of subject content and engagement in the classroom. The district has made progress, but more work lies ahead. Furthermore, as with many school districts, the financial challenges that currently face Wilmington are a priority. Working to navigate through the current funding climate will take an understanding of the hurdles the district is faced with to find solutions that are agreeable to the community it serves.
I have spent the last 30 years building my career in aviation. I understand what it takes to function in a highly regulated, budget conscious field and feel I can contribute these skills to the future success of our district.
(Submitted by Erick Hildebrandt)
Tim Wiederhold
My name is Tim Wiederhold, a 2011 Wilmington High School graduate and 2015 Wilmington College graduate. I’m the son of lifelong educators, one of whom served Wilmington for his entire 30-year career. Education is fundamental to our community, and I believe it’s essential for our children’s future. I met my wife at Wilmington High School, and she’s been teaching at Wilmington City Schools for ten years. Our first grader attends WCS, and I want to provide him with the best educational experience possible. I’m currently on the school board, appointed in May 2024 to fill a vacancy. If elected, I’ll focus on five main areas of improvement:
Enhance communication with stakeholders, ensuring our availability and willingness to engage in constructive dialogue to achieve common goals for students and staff.
Rebuild community trust by opening doors to volunteer opportunities for parents and families to provide engaging events for students.
Ensure financial transparency and accountability by working with the treasurer and superintendent to effectively steward funds.
Plan for the future with the use of our new five-year strategic plan that is in its final stages of completion. I would also like to pursue a single campus plan with new buildings for all grade levels.
Please support me and WCS with your vote on November 4th.
(Submitted by Tim Wiederhold)
