Roderick (Rod) Weiss is running for Richmond School Board, At-Large as a Republican candidate in the 2026 general election.
2026 Election Guide
The Western Wayne News asked candidates in contested races for the Nov. 3, 2026, general election the same questions.
- List your education and employment history highlights (100 words or less).
- What are two specific reasons you decided to run for this office? (100 words or less.)
- If elected/reelected, what are your top three priorities for your time in office? (150 words or less.)
- What are two specific skills you would bring to the office to benefit constituents, if elected/reelected? (100 words or less.)
- What’s one aspect of the government body you’re seeking to join or lead that you think is working well and should continue? (100 words or less.)
- What’s one aspect of the body you’re seeking to join or lead that you think needs to change, and what specific action(s) would you pursue to change it? (100 words or less.)
- Will you accept the results of the election process even if you are not elected/reelected? (50 words or less.)
- With state and federal changes limiting funding for government services, what specific strategies will you pursue if elected to sustain the finances of the body you’re seeking to join or lead? (150 words or less)
- Beyond encouraging attendance at public meetings, how do you plan to involve residents in decision making processes that the office you seek is a part of? (100 words or less.)
- Any other comments you’d like to share about your candidacy? (150 words or less.)
Candidates were given three weeks to respond with a firm deadline and word limits. We share their answers here, unedited from their original form.
For full election coverage, visit the Western Wayne News 2026 Election Guide.
Bio highlights: I am a ’79 Richmond High School graduate and have been self-employed for the past 44 years. I own 7 companies, all dealing with commercial and residential real-estate. I have been a licensed basketball and volleyball official for 47 years and I just recently retired as a minor league pro basketball official. My community involvement includes: RHS Alumni Assoc. – Board of Directors and Treasurer, Circle U Food Bank – President, Richmond Kiwanis Club – Board Member, Richmond Family YMCA – Finance Committee Member – Past Executive Board Member & Past Treasurer.
Reasons to run: As a RCS graduate and a parent of RCS graduates, I am concerned with the current and future direction that the schools are going. I feel that my background in business will be beneficial in getting the school corporation going in the right direction.
Top priorities: If elected, my top 3 priorities will be: 1) to increase test scores, 2) to increase enrollment – be it by getting those that left to return or by getting new students to enroll, 3) to help obtain the resources needed for the teachers.
Specific skills: I feel that my 44 years of business/financial experience would be a great asset to our Board. I also feel that, having 2 children go through the public school system plus my 40+ years of high school officiating, I have a good understanding of the needs of both the teachers and the students.
Should continue: Unfortunately, at this time, I’m concerned that nothing is going well. Our future is uncertain and I want to make sure that we get back on the right path.
Needs to change: The main aspect of the Board that I feel needs to change is the leadership. Everything rises and falls with leadership. As a board member and a board as a whole, we must push the administration to do their absolute best. Which, after all, is what they are hired to do.
Accept election results: Whether I am elected or not, I will respect the process and accept the results.
Funding strategies: To sustain the finances of the corporation, the board must continue to be involved with our legislators to ensure changes for the betterment of RCS.
Engaging the public: In order to involve the residents in the decision making process, I would encourage the growth of the PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) which in turn, would get more residents involved in the corporation. I would make certain that the residents are informed through our news media outlets (newspapers, radio, and possibly sponsored billboards). I am an advocate for transparency and accountability. This is why I would expect anybody living in the RCS district, either with or without children, to email me with their questions and thoughts whether positive or negative. We R in this together.
Other comments: I believe that I will bring common sense, fiscal responsibility and engagement of the teachers for us to move forward in a positive way. I appreciate your consideration in the upcoming election.
A version of this article will appear in the October 14 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.