Galion Building & Loan honored by Ohio School Board Assn.

GALION – The Ohio School Boards Association held its annual Central Region Fall Conference in Columbus Sept. 19. Galion Building & Loan Bank was recognized as a Friend of Public Education for their support of the Galion City School District for more than 25 years during the event.

The 2017-2018 school year marked the 26th consecutive year that Galion Building and Loan Bank President Don Barr and Teller Supervisor and Education Coordinator Jody Fraley donated calculators to sixth grade students at Galion Middle School. Spearheaded by Mr. Barr and Mrs. Fraley, Galion Building and Loan Bank has distributed more than 5,500 calculators to Galion students since 1992.

“The program began when former GMS math teacher Mrs. Patti Miller suggested that calculators be provided for every sixth-grade student,” Galion Building and Loan Assistant Vice President for Customer Service Jody Fraley said. “She believed that having a calculator would give every student the equipment necessary to be a successful math student.”

Students receive a Texas Instruments TI-30X IIS calculator. Each calculator is engraved with the student’s name and is affixed with a sticker that includes the bank’s name and a statement declaring the bank’s concern about the education of our youth.

“Mr. Barr, Mrs. Fraley and the entire Galion Building and Loan family epitomizes what it means to be a Friend of Public Education,” Galion Schools Superintendent Jim Grubbs said. “This award is just one small way that we can show this fantastic community partner our appreciation and thanks for their support of Galion students.”

In addition to the annual donation of calculators, Galion Building and Loan Bank also does a yearly presentation to all Galion first grade students on “Teach Children to Save Day” in April. Students receive a Billy Buck piggy bank and learn about the importance of saving money during the presentation.

The bank has also supported Junior Achievement in the Galion City School District by sending volunteers into classrooms to teach children about business.

“It was a very pleasant surprise when we received the letter from the Ohio School Board Association informing us of our nomination by the school district,” Bank President Don Barr said. “We appreciate this recognition and are proud to support the students and staff of the Galion City School District.”