ASHLAND — The Ashland City Schools board of education’s makeup will change with the new year, as two new members take their seats following November’s elections.
Greg Summers and Rob Wash were elected to fill two holes on the board left by the departures of longtime board members Zack Truax and Brandon Wells.
Remaining on the board are current president John Teevan, vice president Pam Mowry and Gina Deppert.
The board spent time recognizing Truax and Wells at its Dec. 11 meeting, according to the minutes. The board scheduled its next organizational meeting for Jan. 8 at 5:30 p.m. in the district’s administrative offices.
Summers’ and Wash’s terms start at the beginning of January.
Summers hopes to be involved in community via service
Greg Summers, 41, grew up in Pennsylvania, and moved to Ashland in 2006. But no matter where he’s been, Summers had one common goal.
“I want to be involved in the community and making a difference,” Summers said.
So, when he saw an opportunity open up to serve on the Ashland City Schools board of education, Summers threw his name in the ring.
He has children at Ashland High School and thinks the board and superintendent have done well with the district’s facilities and curriculum. Plus, he said he has a special passion for the school system.
“They’re building the future leaders of our nation,” Summers said.
Currently the vice president of strategies for Healing Care Ministries, Summers has a bachelor’s degree in youth pastoral, and a master’s in organizational leadership.
Still, he said he isn’t walking into his term with any type of agenda.
Instead, Summers hopes to learn where he fits through interactions with his fellow board members and getting a handle on the new position.
“Already on the board is a lot of knowledge and passion and ability and wisdom and skill,” he said.
Wash emphasizes importance of school board role
For Rob Wash, an insurance agent, serving as a member of the Ashland City Schools board is a way of giving back.
Wash, who grew up in Lorain County but has lived in Ashland for nearly 27 years, said he’s a product of public schools.
He sat on the United Way board for six years and completed the Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Ashland program.
But, more than anything, Wash said he views the school board as an important part of the Ashland community. He has children, one of whom graduated from Ashland High School.
“I really just want to see the best for the kids, both educationally and well-being,” Wash said. “Same for the teachers, the employees, the administration, and I want to represent the community’s wishes and needs.”
He said Ashland City Schools seems to have a lot of cohesiveness between teachers, administration and the community itself, and hopes that can continue.
Like Summers, Wash has no agenda for his service. He thinks it’s important to learn about his role first.
“I do want to have the opportunity to understand,” Wash said.
“I think you see things from the outside, but until you are a part of something, you need to have the whole picture before you learn to make an impact.”
