John Straka and his spouse Katie have resided in Fairview Park since 1999.  They are parents to four adult children – Carly Boso (nee Esposito), Chelsea Esposito, Kailey Alflen (nee Straka) and Hallie Straka-Lyons -- all of whom graduated from Fairview Park High School over the past two decades, along with a slew of their cousins, as well.

Straka earned a B.A. degree in English from The Ohio State University (1977), followed by a Master of Accountancy degree from Cleveland State University (1987).  He holds a Certified Public Accountant license (1990, currently non-practicing).  Straka retired in early-2021 after a 36-year career as a commercial banker and commercial credit approval officer, primarily in Asset-Based Lending and Middle Market.  His business career also included a brief stint in public accounting.

Straka was elected to the school board in November 2023 and began serving his four-year term in January 2024.  The term goes through December 31, 2027.  He also currently serves on the Financial Advisory Committee to the Treasurer (FACT), the Fairview Park Education Foundation, and the Fairview Park Community Council.