MANSFIELD, Ohio — There isn’t much fanfare in Sheryl Weber, but a great deal of quiet commitment.
Already a volunteer at the Hospice of North Central Ohio’s thrift shop in Mansfield, she is in training to become a Hospice Bedside Vigil Volunteer. As such, she will provide company to individuals who are actively dying but have few, if any, others to be with in their final hours.
“These are things which I believe are important for me to do,” she said quietly.
Weber’s sense of commitment also has led her to a role of community service as a member of the Mansfield City Schools Board of Education. She received the most votes in a four-candidate field on Tuesday.
In January she will begin a four-year term on the board, joining Renda Cline, who was re-elected this week, Dina Davis, Chris Elswick and Monica Hubbard.
“I hope to play a part in supporting and strengthening our district. We have such a strong and dedicated group of administrators, teachers and support staff,” she said. “My goal is to function as part of the board, part of a team, but I won’t hesitate to express my opinion.”
Born and raised in Mansfield, Weber earned a bachelor’s degree in history at Marietta College and a master’s in education administration at Ashland University. Her entire 32-year career was spent in Mansfield City Schools, including tenures as principal of the former Stadium and Newman elementary schools.
“As I look back, I believe this is where I was supposed to be, where I feel I could do the most good,” she said.
Weber retired last summer, her last nine years spent as a social studies teacher at Mansfield Senior High. She also served as National Honor Society adviser.
“I wasn’t in the classroom just to teach students the subject matter. I tried also to teach team about life and how to get along in life. I wasn’t their buddy, but they knew that if they needed a friend, someone to listen, I would be there. I always encouraged students to do their best. That’s all I could ask.”
Years later, former students often recognize Weber in a store or restaurant. Many took her advice about pursuing further education after graduation.
“It means so much when they remember me and say, ‘You were right. I did what you said.’ That is priceless,” she said.
Weber thought about running for the board of education “for two or three years,” often discussing the idea with Winston Greene, the district’s testing coordinator. She made up her mind at the Senior High commencement in June.
“We were lining up in the auxiliary gym. I looked around at the kids, the other teachers and everyone and just decided right then and there that it was my time to do it,” she said. “People have been so supportive and helpful. Previous board members have given me good advice.”
As a board member, Weber plans to attend many events at all of the schools.
“I also want to be able to visit schools regularly, not as a spy but as someone who cares. I want to see programs that are working,” she said. “I certainly don’t want to overstep my bounds. I want principals and teachers to say ‘Oh, there’s Weber. No big deal.’ I want them to see me as a benefit.”
Weber said she will participate in training provided to new board members by the Ohio School Boards Association.
She and husband Jeff have a daughter and four grandchildren – all teenagers.
Sometimes, Weber said, she doesn’t have to speak for her grandchildren to get her message.
“I always like to choose my words wisely,” she said. “Once I say them, they’re spoken.”
