Former Fredericktown supt. James Peterson takes interim role starting Jan. 3:
Melvin “Mel” Switzer:
Today – Fredericktown’s school board approved the appointment of former Fredericktown superintendent James Peterson to serve as interim superintendent starting in January. Peterson will resume the position the day after current superintendent Susan Hayward’s resignation takes effect. And Peterson will serve as interim superintendent until July 31, or earlier depending on how the search for a permanent replacement goes.
Peterson was superintendent of Fredericktown Local Schools for four years, from 2009 to 2013. After learning of Hayward’s resignation board members Candi Gallagher and Charles Streby had sit-down interviews with a pool of candidates. Initially, board member Patty Miller was appointed alongside Gallagher to serve on the interim superintendent search committee. But Miller stepped down to allow a board member who ran for re-election to help make the decision.
The board also followed up on the other agenda topic of the special meeting — the reconfiguration of the treasurer’s office. The board voted to reconfigure the office following the resignation of assistant treasurer Dawn Campbell. And Tuesday’s agenda included a motion to approve a new job description for an assistant to the treasurer that was ultimately rescinded by the board after input from treasurer Heather Darnold.
Darnold expressed concern that reconfiguration — to one assistant for the treasurer position and the removal of the current fiscal support position — would cost the current fiscal support, Lynnea Clevenger, her job. Darnold said she understands when people leave – you consolidate, but this affects not only her co-worker, it’s her friend.
The board discussed the potential of divvying up the tasks of a new assistant to the treasurer, or giving Clevenger the entirety of the new role Tuesday, but ultimately no decisions were made. For now, it’s unclear whether the treasurer’s office will continue with both an assistant treasurer and fiscal support, or consolidate to one role. As 2021 comes to an end, Board members James Blanchard, Patty Miller and Charles Streby participated in their last meeting before incoming board members take over next month.
Returning and new educational opportunities were also approved Tuesday. Heartland Outdoor Environmental Educational School — an overnight trip for fifth graders that did not occur last year — will take place in 2022. The board also approved an agreement with Ashland University to allow its students to receive clinical education from the Fredericktown nurse. Tuesday’s meeting also included a litany of special commendations for fall student accomplishments ranging from spelling bee winners to national honor society inductees to sports team achievements.
Mansfield’s Brinkerhoff rose to the rank of general during Civil War
Now, some local history. Did you know that Roeliff Brinkerhoff was an important lawyer, editor and owner of the Mansfield Herald, and later a bank president? He was a quartermaster and supply officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War, rising to the rank of colonel.
In recognition of his service, he was appointed to the grade of brevet brigadier general of volunteers. His work, “The Volunteer Quartermaster” was considered the definitive text on military logistics and transportation from the Civil War until World War I.
He also founded the Ohio Historical Society and succeeded former President Rutherford B. Hayes as president of the American National Prison Congress, advocating for better treatment of the mentally ill and prisoners.
Polar Express at The Ren on Dec. 19
Next, an event that you need to know about – On Sunday, Dec. 19 at 2:30 p.m., bring the whole family to the Renaissance Main Stage where they’ll be showing the classic Christmas film “The Polar Express.” Starring legend Tom Hanks and directed by one of America’s favorite directors, Robert Zemeckis, enjoy a story about a train to the North Pole and what can happen if you believe in the holiday spirit.
Mel Switzer
Finally, we’d like to take a moment to remember Melvin “Mel” Switzer, of Lucas. Mel was born in his hometown and was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, who adored his family.
Mel was a veteran and served in the United States Air Force for four years and in the Air National Guard for two years. He retired from Mansfield Plumbing Products after 40 years of dedicated service, and drove a school bus in Lucas for 10 years. A man knowing the definition of hard work, was also the owner of S & S Home Improvement for 39 years where he worked along side his son, Scott.
He was a lifetime member of the VFW in Perrysville, and a lifetime member of the American Legion in Loudonville. He loved hunting, bowling, softball, and cheering on Ohio sports teams, especially the Lucas Cubs. Mel took pride in his yard and always strived for it to be perfect.
Mel is survived by his wife, Dolores, who was the love of his life and best friend, his six children, 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews. Thank you for taking a moment with us today to remember and celebrate Mel’s life.
