MADISON TOWNSHIP — After 50 years in education, Tim Wigton is ready for a break.
“It’s been awesome, but I’m ready to hang it up and do what I’d like to do for a while,” said Wigton, a retired educator and member of the Madison Local Schools board of education.
Wigton joined the school board eight years ago and spent three years as board president.
His term expires at the end of this year. He chose not to run for re-election.
“It’s a little bittersweet. I really love doing it,” he said. “I dearly love Madison. I love what we’ve accomplished there.”
Wigton graduated from the Ohio State University’s Mansfield campus in 1975 and became one of the first teachers at Discovery School. He taught first and sixth grade in the Madison school system before spending the bulk of his career as an elementary administrator for West Holmes Local Schools.
Wigton joined the board during a tumultuous time. The district’s then-superintendent was a new and controversial figure. She eventually resigned.
“When he was elected, the district benefited immediately from his deep knowledge of education and, just as importantly, his bravery in speaking up for what was right,” said Amy Walker, who has served on the school board since 2013.
Walker and Superintendent Rob Peterson both offered brief remarks thanking Wigton during his last school board meeting on Wednesday.
“Tim, I hope you know how much your leadership helped get Madison back on track,” Walker said. “You set a new tone for how this board is supposed to work together in the best interest of students and staff.”
Peterson said Wigton has remained committed to leaving the district stronger than when he found it.
“He has been a steadfast advocate for students, staff, and community members, giving consistent consideration to each decision and its impact on those he serves,” Peterson said. “We are deeply grateful for the time, energy, and leadership.”
Wigton served as board president during the hiring of Peterson and Bradd Stevens, Madison’s treasurer.
“I was able to use my leadership skills to help the board make the good choices we made and I’m proud of that,” Wigton said. “I didn’t dictate things. I just allowed them to work together and we built a team.”
Wigton said he believes his successor, Adam Porter, will be a good addition to the board. Porter was elected in November, alongside Walker and fellow incumbent Mary Kotterman.
“I want to thank the Madison community for having faith in me and electing me twice to the board,” Wigton said.
“We are making really good success on our state testing, and that’s because we have a great administrative team with awesome teachers. It’s a really good school district. We don’t have a lot of money. We’re not flashy but we still get the job done and I’m happy about that.”