ASHLAND — It was outgoing superintendent Doug Marrah’s final Ashland City Schools Board of Education meeting on Monday, and he was treated to a number of awards and fond farewells.
The president-elect of the Ohio Music Education Association, Brian Stevens, stopped by to announce that Marrah had won the organization’s 2023 Outstanding School Administrator award for demonstrating “the importance of music education in their school and community,” Stevens said.
After the award announcement, Marrah gave a short speech reflecting on his time as a music advocate at the district.
“I’ve never done anything in my life other than because it’s the right thing. And I just love being around the kids,” he said.
Marrah was nominated for the award by band director Marty Kral, who wrote in his nomination letter that Marrah always keeps the arts high on his list of priorities.
His first teaching job was as the orchestra director at Ashland City Schools, and he continued his focus on music when he became superintendent by playing mandolin at school events and working with students on their music, said Tiffany Sanders, the secretary for the Ashland Band Parents Organization.
“My son has absolutely loved playing with you. Every time that he’s gotten to play with you he’s just been like, ‘Oh it’s so cool to have him playing back here with us,’ and he’s really really enjoyed those opportunities and the way you’ve encouraged is very important to him,” she said in her thanks to Marrah.
Marrah was also awarded a certificate of appreciation from the Ashland City Schools Foundation, presented by the organization’s president, Dwight McElfresh.
“Dr. Marrah has a tremendous ability to connect willing donors with fabulous projects involving our students,” he said.
Near the end of the meeting, Marrah got a send-off from each board member and a performance from Ashland High School’s Jazz Band.
“You got to accomplish so many things professionally here and you can close the book with your head held high. You always did what was best for the kids, for the students,” board president Zack Truax said.
Marrah’s next role will be as Executive Director at Tri-County Computer Services Associates starting on Jan. 1.
