GALION, Ohio — Four candidates are running for four seats on the school’s board of education. Three candidates are incumbents.
Brian T. Carson
Carson was elected in December to fill board member Heath Watkins’ position after he resigned. After what Carson described as a successful year on the board, he hopes to complete Watkins’ term, which lasts another two years.
Carson touts 16 years of business acumen and 13 years of management experience at the State Highway Patrol.
“Those are my key strengths, business and management. I’m motivated to find ways to come in and help our schools,” Carson said.
Communicating the board’s philosophies and policies with faculty and staff is one way to be more efficient as a school, he said.
“I want let people know that Galion should be their first choice when it comes to educating their kids. I want parents to have confidence in the school district — that their kids can get academic opportunities.”
Grant B. Garverick
Garverick, an attorney in Galion with Hottenroth, Garverick, Tilson & Garverick, Co., L.P.A., said he wants to give back to the community. He is running unopposed for a seat on the board of education.
“I’ve been a resident since two. I had kids in the [school] system. I’ve had legal training and I’m a business person in the community. I’m fairly level-headed. I’d love to help make decisions that the school has to make,” said Garverick.
Garverick has been involved with the high school’s mock trial program for 20 years. He’s been involved with the school system for about 27 years with his own children, nieces and nephews.
“I enjoy working with high school kids,” said Garverick.
Dennis E. Long
Long began his first term as a board member in January 2008 and was re-elected as vice president in 2010. He decided to run because his daughters received a good education — he wanted to give back.
“There’s a good program going on in there, get in there and try to help to grow it,” said Long.
Long has worked for Farmers Insurance for 34 years and has owned his own practice, Long Insurance Agency, for 25 years. Since joining the board in 2008, Long has served as the Pioneer Career and Technology Center board representative.
He is also a member of Galion Kiwanis and an advisor for Galion Key Club.
“I listen to folks, I don’t mind getting out and visiting with different people. There’s a lot of good stuff going on that doesn’t always get out,” he said.
Brian Owens
Galion graduate and Sr MSgt. with the 179th Airlift Wing, Brian Owens is the board’s current vice president. He is running for re-election as a board member.
“I’ve always been highly involved in the community. With that, I believe in public schools. And I was always taught that if you’re not part of the solution then you’re part of the problem,” said Owens.
He has two boys that attend Galion schools and he said he’s heavily driven to see others succeed.
“I’m willing to go the extra mile, I’m willing to listen to the community and the school. I believe we can make Galion a place of choice instead of a place of need. So I’m joining the city to improve the area,” he said.
If elected, Owens hopes to help the school manage funds to help the students succeed.
