Two Ashland School Board members say their goodbyes

ASHLAND — As the final regular school board meeting of 2019 wrapped up Monday evening, the Ashland City Board of Education and the Ashland City Teachers Association still hadn’t come to a resolution, but outgoing board members are hopeful they’ll be called into a special meeting by the end of December.

Bryan Lefelhoc and Lindsey Saffle were recognized with a reception prior to the board meeting, where Superintendent Doug Marrah presented them both with plaques, and later at the board meeting, each took a few minutes to thank fellow board members and the community.

Neither ran for reelection in November, so their terms will expire on December 31, 2019. Newcomers Dustin Kruty and Brandon Wells will take their places in the new year. 

“I had done this for three years, and I didn’t plan on doing it for more than one term… When I learned they wanted to do it, it made it a lot easier,” Lefelhoc said about his departure. 

He joined the board in 2008, serving 12 years. Two of his children have graduated from the district and the third is a freshman at Ashland High School.

During that time, he said “the best decision I was ever apart of” was hiring Superintendent Marrah — the fourth superintendent Lefelhoc worked with as a school board member. Marrah brought stability, Lefelhoc explained. 

“The focus you brought, the leadership you brought… It was the best thing that could have happened to Ashland City Schools, and the world won’t know how much your leadership has been and your unwillingness to give in when it comes to doing the right thing for kids (until) when you’re not here someday. There will be big, huge shoes to fill.” 

In October 2013, Saffle was appointed to the board to fill a vacant seat left by former board member Bob Hill. The mother of two girls had already been involved at the school. 

“When Mr. Hill resigned I thought this was my opportunity to give back to the community,” Saffle said. 

She decided to not run for reelection because of life changes. Her youngest daughter graduated in 2017, and she now works a new job in Mansfield. 

“Financially, I feel very good about leaving the board. We’re financially sound. I’m excited about the new buildings, and how we’re progressing and moving forward,” Saffle said. 

She advises new board members to “just make yourself available” to the community. 

In a statement read by Superintendent Marrah at the meeting, board president Dr. James Wolfe thanked both outgoing board members. 

“It has been my pleasure to serve alongside Mrs. Saffle and Mr. Lefelhoc. They are excellent examples of the diligent studious board member,” Wolfe said. “Both have taken the task seriously and made a real difference. 

“Mrs. Saffle has been a steady stable voice, very good at working through decision making and coming to a logical and appropriate opinion. While tending to be quiet at board meetings, she has been a great leadership partner. I wish her all the best and thank her for stepping up when she was needed.” 

He went on to say Lefelhoc has made a lasting and substantial impact on the district for the long term. 

“While he can be tough and even challenging, his real strength has been his underlying commitment to doing what is right and best for the children of the district,” Wolfe said. “He has been fair and balanced and has been a major influence on my thinking and problem solving and for that, I will miss him greatly. He is truly a good man.” 

As for negotiations, Lefelhoc still wants to reach an agreement before the end of the year. The last best offer with clarifications from an early December meeting needs to be passed before Dec. 20 for additional dollars to be added to teacher’s paychecks in January.  If it does not move forward, Wolfe said the board has decided to wait fact finding results, which are now anticipated for February. 

“I am very hopeful there will be another meeting called before I even leave… I’m looking forward to closure of that even before I leave,” Lefelhoc said. 

“I think it’s going to be resolved one way or another, and it could happen before the end of the year. I could be called into a special meeting — this may not be my last meeting — but I have faith in the new board,” Saffle said.