ASHLAND — Ashland City Schools board of education is accepting resumes and letters of interest for an open seat on the board.
Earlier this month, board president Will Gravitt announced his resignation, effective at the end of September. Vice president Jim Wolfe will assume the role of president, and board member Lindsey Saffle will serve as vice president.
The open seat on the five-member board will be filled by an appointee, chosen by the remaining for board members. The new board member begins Oct. 22.
Wolfe said he hopes to see parents with young children express interest in the position.
“I’m a big believer that one of the things that made us super strong as a board for the longest time was that we were a group of parents that were engaged,” Wolfe said.
“That’s why I’m still hopeful that out there is a younger parent with kids in school, and that we can begin to replace us over time with those kinds of people, knowing that the district’s in good hands.
“I am still hopeful that we could find a mother with children in school that can find the extra time to serve on the board, because I think that will add something to this board and make it more comfortable for us old people to fade off into the shadows,” Wolfe said.
Board member Bryan Lefelhoc emphasized that while a young mother may add diversity to the board, neither age nor gender will be considered as a litmus test for the position.
“There are plenty of seniors and those without children and community members, and we welcome everyone to participate in this,” Lefelhoc said, adding the more candidates that apply, the better off the community and board will be.
“It’s really a wonderful opportunity to serve the community,” Lefelhoc said. “I know when I decided to do it, there was a lot of hesitation and wonder, and it’s one of the greatest things I’ve ever done. I encourage everyone to look into it.”
The Ashland school board meets twice monthly, typically at 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. The board’s next meeting is Sept. 24, the same day letters of interest for the position are due.
School board members set district goals and policies, hire and evaluate superintendents and treasurers, adopt curriculum, establish budgets, engage parents and communicate with the community. More information about serving on a board of education in Ohio can be found at www.ohioschoolboards.org/being-board-member.
Interested candidates should submit a resume and letter of interest by Sept. 24 to Dr. James Wolfe, c/o Dr. Douglas J. Marrah, Ashland City School District, 1407 Claremont Ave. P.O. Box 160, Ashland, Ohio 44805.
