Honesty for Ohio Education Announces
Dr. Christina Collins as New Executive Director
Former State Board of Education member brings experience as educator, policy advocate,
and public school parent to lead and strengthen our growing coalition
December 20, 2023 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COLUMBUS — Today, Honesty for Ohio Education announced that we have selected Dr. Christina Collins to serve as our first executive director. In her new role, Dr. Collins will lead our coalition of nearly 70 organizational partners and thousands of Ohioans who believe in an honest, inclusive education.
Dr. Collins most recently served as an elected member of the Ohio State Board of Education. She represents District 7, but before redistricting represented her home community of Medina. She brings to the coalition strength as a collaborative leader with deep knowledge of education policy and practice in Ohio and beyond, and a strong commitment to public education as an advocate rooted in community.
In addition to her time on the State Board of Education, Dr. Collins’ experience includes pre-apprenticeship work for the Medina County Economic Development Corporation, teaching at the k-12 and college level, and curriculum leadership for local school districts.
“I am so excited to be able to take on this leadership role with Honesty for Ohio Education,” said Dr. Collins (pictured left). “It is critically important that Ohioans unite to ensure every child receives an honest and inclusive education grounded in truth, facts, and diverse perspectives.
“I am ready to work with anyone willing to advocate for a public education that affirms and celebrates every child, regardless of race, identity, or zip code,” she added. “Hateful extremism, like House Bill 68 that endangers the lives of transgender youth, does not represent the values of Ohio families or communities. The energy and advocacy to make Ohio a home for all is powerful and exactly the kind of work I am committed to. It’s time to unify, not divide Ohioans.”
Dr. Collins assumes her new duties on January 2, 2024. Honesty for Ohio Education Founding Director Cynthia Peeples, who recently moved out of Ohio with her family, will provide support during the leadership transition.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Collins to the new role in the coalition,” said Peeples. “Dr. Collins is a proven education leader who champions the rights, safety, and wellness of all Ohio students and families. Not only does she bring the needed skills and experience to help transform education policy across Ohio, she will also grow our statewide efforts countering extremist attacks on students, schools, and democracy. As an elected education leader, Dr. Collins knows that public education is a common good and the bedrock of a high functioning, multiracial democracy. She is right for this moment."
Quotes from Honesty for Ohio Education partners:
Dr. Antoinette Miranada, State Board of Education Member, District 6
“Dr. Collins is a passionate supporter of public education. As a State Board member, she consistently championed the Whole Child and advocated for best practices that will yield transformative change. She is the right person to continue to move this amazing coalition forward.”
Melissa Cropper, President, Ohio Federation of Teachers
“Dr. Collins has been a bridge builder on the State Board of Education and in her community. Her unique background as a practitioner and advocate will be a great addition to the Honesty coalition leadership.”
Scott DiMauro, President, Ohio Education Association
“Dr. Christina Collins is a true champion for public education and the Ohio Education Association warmly congratulates her on her new role. Dr. Collins has repeatedly demonstrated her steadfast commitment to the belief that every child - without exception – deserves a high-quality public education, and OEA knows Honesty for Ohio Education will continue to lead the way in that mission under Dr. Collins’ leadership.”
Dr. Ben Huelskamp, Executive Director, LOVEboldly
“Dr. Christina Collins is a consummate and gifted educator with a reputation as a no-nonsense change maker, advocate, and leader. Her work as a member of the State Board of Education is a testament to her strong concern for all of Ohio’s children, particularly LGBTQIA+ children. I look forward to working with Dr. Collins in her new role as the executive director of Honesty for Ohio Education.”
Dr. Karen Leith, Advocacy Chair, League of Women Voters Ohio
“Dr. Christina Collins has shown her dedication to the children of Ohio and their education throughout all the positions she has held. Her dedication to the values at the core of Honesty for Ohio Education will ensure the coalition moves ahead with strong leadership. League of Women Voters Ohio is thrilled with her understanding of the need for strong, honest, and safe public schools for our democracy. Dr. Collins values all our children.”
Piet van Lier, Co-Founder, Honesty for Ohio Education, and Senior Researcher, Policy Matters Ohio
“Christina’s deep understanding of education practice and policy, from the schoolhouse to the statehouse, shows that she is the leader we need to keep building our coalition. We are excited to see what we will accomplish under her leadership as we continue our work to ensure an honest and inclusive education for every child.”
Dr. Collins most recently served as an elected member of the Ohio State Board of Education. She represents District 7, but before redistricting represented her home community of Medina. She brings to the coalition strength as a collaborative leader with deep knowledge of education policy and practice in Ohio and beyond, and a strong commitment to public education as an advocate rooted in community.
In addition to her time on the State Board of Education, Dr. Collins’ experience includes pre-apprenticeship work for the Medina County Economic Development Corporation, teaching at the k-12 and college level, and curriculum leadership for local school districts.
“I am so excited to be able to take on this leadership role with Honesty for Ohio Education,” said Dr. Collins (pictured left). “It is critically important that Ohioans unite to ensure every child receives an honest and inclusive education grounded in truth, facts, and diverse perspectives.
“I am ready to work with anyone willing to advocate for a public education that affirms and celebrates every child, regardless of race, identity, or zip code,” she added. “Hateful extremism, like House Bill 68 that endangers the lives of transgender youth, does not represent the values of Ohio families or communities. The energy and advocacy to make Ohio a home for all is powerful and exactly the kind of work I am committed to. It’s time to unify, not divide Ohioans.”
Dr. Collins assumes her new duties on January 2, 2024. Honesty for Ohio Education Founding Director Cynthia Peeples, who recently moved out of Ohio with her family, will provide support during the leadership transition.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Collins to the new role in the coalition,” said Peeples. “Dr. Collins is a proven education leader who champions the rights, safety, and wellness of all Ohio students and families. Not only does she bring the needed skills and experience to help transform education policy across Ohio, she will also grow our statewide efforts countering extremist attacks on students, schools, and democracy. As an elected education leader, Dr. Collins knows that public education is a common good and the bedrock of a high functioning, multiracial democracy. She is right for this moment."
Quotes from Honesty for Ohio Education partners:
Dr. Antoinette Miranada, State Board of Education Member, District 6
“Dr. Collins is a passionate supporter of public education. As a State Board member, she consistently championed the Whole Child and advocated for best practices that will yield transformative change. She is the right person to continue to move this amazing coalition forward.”
Melissa Cropper, President, Ohio Federation of Teachers
“Dr. Collins has been a bridge builder on the State Board of Education and in her community. Her unique background as a practitioner and advocate will be a great addition to the Honesty coalition leadership.”
Scott DiMauro, President, Ohio Education Association
“Dr. Christina Collins is a true champion for public education and the Ohio Education Association warmly congratulates her on her new role. Dr. Collins has repeatedly demonstrated her steadfast commitment to the belief that every child - without exception – deserves a high-quality public education, and OEA knows Honesty for Ohio Education will continue to lead the way in that mission under Dr. Collins’ leadership.”
Dr. Ben Huelskamp, Executive Director, LOVEboldly
“Dr. Christina Collins is a consummate and gifted educator with a reputation as a no-nonsense change maker, advocate, and leader. Her work as a member of the State Board of Education is a testament to her strong concern for all of Ohio’s children, particularly LGBTQIA+ children. I look forward to working with Dr. Collins in her new role as the executive director of Honesty for Ohio Education.”
Dr. Karen Leith, Advocacy Chair, League of Women Voters Ohio
“Dr. Christina Collins has shown her dedication to the children of Ohio and their education throughout all the positions she has held. Her dedication to the values at the core of Honesty for Ohio Education will ensure the coalition moves ahead with strong leadership. League of Women Voters Ohio is thrilled with her understanding of the need for strong, honest, and safe public schools for our democracy. Dr. Collins values all our children.”
Piet van Lier, Co-Founder, Honesty for Ohio Education, and Senior Researcher, Policy Matters Ohio
“Christina’s deep understanding of education practice and policy, from the schoolhouse to the statehouse, shows that she is the leader we need to keep building our coalition. We are excited to see what we will accomplish under her leadership as we continue our work to ensure an honest and inclusive education for every child.”
###
Honesty for Ohio Education is a nonpartisan, statewide coalition that champions honest education, affirmation of identities, cultures, and experiences, and the rights and safety of all students, families, and educators. The coalition represents nearly 70 organizational partners and thousands of Ohioans across the state.