A Teacher, A Father, A Board Member: Justin’s Journey with Triveni and Wyoming Schools

Samwad Team
Dec 31, 2025
3 min read

In every community, there are individuals who bridge cultures, nurture young minds, and step forward to serve. Justin Belarski, a former history teacher turned stay-at-home dad and now elected school board member in Wyoming, Ohio, embodies all three. In this conversation, he reflects on his roots, his passion for history, his family’s connection to Triveni, and his new role in shaping education.

Let’s start with your background. Where did you grow up?

I was born in North Carolina but grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio. I graduated from Fairfield High School, where I first met my wife, Asha (daughter of Durga and Suresh Kamat). Later, I studied history at the University of Pittsburgh and became a licensed teacher. I taught high school history for 15 years — world history, geography, current events, and ancient history.

You and Asha have been part of Triveni for several years and now your daughters are also actively participating. Our experience is that it’s becoming challenging to get second generation of Marathi people involved. What are your thoughts?

This is not unique to Triveni. This is same for multiple cultural organizations. Ultimately, the solution is to meet people where they are. If the majority of the members are Indian born, then that’s where you want to focus. As you find more and more members to be US born, you may want to adjust in that direction.

It might be a good idea to talk to similar other cultural organizations and see what they are experiencing and doing about it, as an example people from German culture.

“If you want to bridge the gaps between cultures or generations, you have to meet people where they are”

What made you choose history?

I’ve always loved stories and reading. Great history teachers inspired me. History allows you to transport yourself into another world.

“A man who reads lives many lives. A man who does not read lives only one.”

You mentioned stepping away from teaching to be a stay-at-home dad. How did you make that decision?

It was tough because I loved teaching. But both my parents passed away over 10 years ago, and my father once told me, “You can never spend too much time with your kids.” That stuck with me. With daycare costs and my wife’s travel schedule, it made sense for me to stay home. One year became five, and it was a wonderful experience.

And now you’re on the Wyoming school board. How did that journey begin?

Honestly, I hadn’t planned it. A friend asked me to sign his packet to run for school board, and that planted the seed. Soon after, I thought, “Why not me?” I picked up my own packet, got signatures, and ran. With three openings and four candidates, it was competitive, but I was fortunate to be elected.

What does the school board actually do?

It’s a governing body, not administrative. We set the culture, climate, and goals of the district, and we hire the superintendent and treasurer. They, in turn, hire principals and teachers. Our board has five members, with staggered elections to ensure continuity.

What are your priorities as a new board member?

My focus is on the “social contract” — being good stewards of taxpayer investment while ensuring all students succeed academically and socially. I’m passionate about multiculturalism, inclusion, and letting students be their true selves.

“We must be good stewards of taxpayer investment while helping every student succeed.”

Did you have to campaign?

Yes, absolutely. I canvassed, created campaign signs, attended festivals, and spoke at community events. It was my first campaign, so I leaned on guidance from former board members. It was a great learning experience.

Closing Thoughts

Justin’s journey reflects the evolving role of community leaders — rooted in family, inspired by service, and committed to education. From teaching history to raising his daughters, and now serving on the school board, his story is one of dedication and balance. For Triveni and Wyoming alike, his presence is a reminder that leadership often begins with listening, learning, and simply asking, “Why not me?”