President

Mrs. Smallwood is a graduate of Cardinal High School and attended Kent State University. She was appointed to the Cardinal Board of Education in January of 2016, was elected for a second term in 2017, and a third term in 2021.

Over her career, Mrs. Smallwood has worked in banking, accounting with KraftMaid Cabinetry, and as an Assistant Administrator for Middlefield Village. She served as a village Councilwoman for 12 years and served on numerous local boards over the course of 40 years. She is currently a member of the Middlefield Chamber of Commerce, and a founding member of the Middlefield Historical Society, as well as serving on the executive board as past president of the Great Geauga County Fair Auxiliary.

Mrs. Smallwood brings her experience in business, local government, and philanthropy to the table to promote fiscal solvency and educational success for Cardinal School District now and into the future.

She advocates parental and community involvement to help in implementing Cardinal School District’s goal to graduate students ready for success in college, career, or military.

Email Mrs. Smallwood at linda.smallwood@cardinalschools.org

Vice President

Mrs. Rayburn was elected in November 2017 to serve her first full term on the Cardinal Board of Education. She was originally appointed to the Board in June of 2017 to finish out a term vacated by a previous member. “I am very humbled and honored to have this experience and look forward to working with district officials and fellow board members to continue the progress we’ve made here for our students and families,” Rayburn says.

Rayburn is active in school activities and organizations including PTA/PTO, was the Vice President of the Music Boosters, and has served as Chairperson for Supporters of Cardinal Schools, the District’s levy committee. 

Email Mrs. Rayburn at barb.rayburn@cardinalschools.org

Board Member

With two daughters currently in Cardinal Schools, a son and daughter already graduated from Cardinal High School, and a Cardinal Alumni spouse, Kristen Klepper is invested in Cardinal Local School District in a big way. She has poured her heart into Cardinal Local Schools over the last several years and is excited to take her commitment to the next level.

Kristen served as Treasurer of the Cardinal Athletic Boosters for 6 years. She was the co-creator and Chairperson of the Joe Peters Memorial Pig Roast, Director of Youth Volleyball for the Middlefield Recreation Department, Youth Volleyball Coach, and the Treasurer of Supporters of Cardinal Schools. She also served as a member of the Cardinal Board of Education’s Finance Committee, Pandemic Response Team, Strategic Planning Committee, and created the Hungry Huskies Food Drive.

Along with a busy family life and extensive volunteer work, Kristen also has 20+ years of business experience as the current CFO/VP of an asphalt recycling company in Bedford, Ohio. She will bring a bevy of business and philanthropic experience to the Cardinal Board of Education to promote a stronger school board through transparency, better board communication, and promotion of public participation in the process.

Email Mrs. Klepper at kristen.klepper@cardinalschools.org

Board Member

Ruth Natali has been on the Cardinal Board of Education since October of 2024.

Board Member

Anita Marlowe has been on the Cardinal Board of Education since January of 2024.

Anita Marlowe moved to Ohio in 2013. She graduated from the University of Washington, Seattle with master’s degrees in Genetic Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner and Public Health. She worked in Neonatal Care, Addiction Services, Nursing Research and has taught in Community College. Ms. Marlowe became involved because she supports women, children, and families.

She is honored to help Cardinal Schools continue to provide a unique small-town environment in which all children can succeed. Anita Marlowe is excited to help lead Cardinal through the changes it is facing.

Email Ms. Marlowe at anita.marlowe@cardinalschools.org