GALION — After nine years on the board of education, Vice President Brian Owens attended his final meeting on Tuesday night ahead of his family moving out of the area.
“I loved my time on the board. I didn’t know what I was getting into,” Owens said.
“I didn’t like where the schools were going, so I got on the board and I was surprised by the intricacies and nuances of it. It takes a bit to catch on to it all and get up to speed. I went in there hoping to make things better, and hopefully I did that.”
“Right now, I think we’ve got a great board—Grant, Dennis, Debra, and Mike—people coming from different perspectives and trying to put their best foot forward and I think there’s a good balance,” Owens continued.
Board President Grant Garverick praised his departing member.
“It’s with much trepidation and regret for me that Brian is leaving the area because Brian has been on since I’ve been on, and he’s always been a crucial member and I value his opinion greatly. I am going to miss you very much, Brian,” Garverick said.
Supt. Jim Grubbs said he looked at Owens as a colleague and a friend.
“I appreciate your ability to separate being a parent and a board member and help do what’s best for the school. I know that you are greatly appreciated,” Grubbs said.
Also on Tuesday, the board:
— accepted a $1,200 donation from Colleen Howell to be used for technology premium fees for students in need.
— accepted wo anonymous donations in the amount of $120 each in memory of Natasha Early—one to the cross-country team and one to the girls basketball team.
— accepted the resignation of Jacob Grove, high school assistant principal, effective July 31. He is becoming an assistant principal inthe Madison School District.
The next regular board meeting will be July 13.
