Meet Gray Potts,

Hi, I'm Gray (legal name Gregory), and I'm running for a seat on the Copley-Fairlawn Board of Education because I believe students deserve a strong voice in the decisions that shape their education. As a recent student myself, I’ve seen firsthand what works and what needs to change in our school district as a person with a learning difference, and I’m ready to bring that perspective to the table.

After struggling to get the support I needed, I decided to transfer schools, and I’ve turned that experience into action. At my new school, I became president of our Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA), where I worked with fellow members to launch a series of teach-ins aimed at educating the student body about LGBTQ+ issues. Outside of that role, I continued to be a voice for students by advocating directly for change. I created and circulated a petition that led to real discussions around school policies, from revising the phone policy to raising concerns about student privacy. I’ve always spoken up for those who feel unheard. Whether I’m defending LGBTQ+ students or pushing for modern, student-centered solutions, I’m committed to making meaningful and lasting change for all students.

I'm running for the Board of Education because every student, regardless of their background, learning style, or identity, deserves to feel safe, supported, and challenged to grow. During my time at Copley, I often felt like just another name on a roster. I was passed from grade to grade without the foundational skills I needed to succeed, and no one stopped to ask why I was falling behind. I struggled not because I lacked potential, but because the system wasn’t built to support students like me, students who learn differently, who need understanding, not judgment.

That experience left me feeling invisible, but it also gave me a powerful perspective. I know what it’s like to be let down by the system, and I’m running to make sure no other student has to feel that way. We need schools that truly listen, that adapt, and that treat every student like they matter. We need transparency, equity, and bold, student-focused innovation, and I’m ready to fight for it.

 Because I’m not a politician, I’m someone who’s lived through the system and is committed to making it better. I’ll listen to students, parents, and educators. I’ll bring bold ideas and relentless energy. And most importantly, I’ll never stop advocating for what’s right.

It’s time for new leadership that truly understands the next generation. Let’s build a school system that works for every student!