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BELOIT -- The West Branch school board appointed a familiar face to fill the vacant board position in its annual organizational meeting Thursday.
The position left vacant after former board president Aaron Hawk decided not to run for re-election in November's general election saw seven community members interview to join the board -- William Dawes, Peggy Shaver, Derek Day, Scott Dean, Debbie Helm, Scott Close and most curiously Hawk himself. Ultimately Hawk was selected to fill his own former seat on the board, with this newest term not set to expire until the end of 2027.
Joe Courtwright, who was named board president in the same meeting, explained that while the decision had been difficult as all candidates had held views in line with the district's goals, Hawk had been selected for the experience he brings to the board.
"As a representative of the West Branch Board of Education, I would like to sincerely thank all candidates who applied for the open board member seat. We conducted interviews with seven community members: William Dawes, Peggy Shaver, Derek Day, Scott Dean, Debbie Helm, Scott Close and Aaron Hawk," said Courtwright. "We are very encouraged by the interest from the community, which in turn led to outstanding interviews with all candidates. All shared complementary views of our students, staff, and community. The interviews were driven with valid questions and concerns. This made the decision difficult for the current board members. With much deliberation, discussion and conclusions, the West Branch Board of Education is proud to announce Aaron Hawk will be returning as a board member. Aaron brings much experience to the table and is an asset to the school board and the community."
First elected to the board in 2019, Hawk has worked at the Stark County Educational Service Center for 12 years in business operations. Hawk said that as part of his work with the ESC he works with schools on their facility management, helping them to increase their energy savings and custodial services, joking that he worked with them on "basically everything but teaching." However, Hawk noted that by virtue of his position he is still involved in and present for curriculum and teaching discussions.
Hawk explained that while he has treasured his opportunity to serve and contribute to the district, he did not run for re-election in November as he felt he wouldn't be able to provide the appropriate amount of time and commitment the position required due to personal and professional commitments. However, Hawk said that since then he'd had the opportunity to reflect on the matter further and realized that he wanted to continue to be a part of the district's growth.
"I wanted to address a question that may have arisen regarding my decision not to run for the open board of education seat in the November election. Please understand that I have greatly valued the opportunity to serve and contribute to our school system. However, when the deadline for submitting petitions arrived, I realized that I wouldn't be able to provide the level of involvement and commitment that the position requires due to external commitments," said Hawk. "However, since then, I have had the opportunity to reflect on the progress our district has made over the past four years. Witnessing this positive trajectory has truly made me realize that I want to continue being a part of this journey for our district. I am more than willing to contribute my skills, knowledge, and experience to further enhance the educational opportunities and outcomes for all our students."
Mikki Kanagy, who was appointed as the board's vice president thanked all the applicants for their time and interest, noting that she hoped they would run for election to the board in the future.
The board also set its meeting schedule for the 2024 calendar year, with meetings continuing to be held at 6 p.m. in the high school media center, and preceded by a work session at 5:30 p.m. The 2024 board meetings will be held on: Jan. 30, Feb. 21, March 21, April 24, May 22, June 20, July 18, Aug. 15, Sept. 16, Oct. 17, Nov. 21, Dec. 17.
The board also authorized the use of the law firms Ennis Britton Company LPA, Roetzel and Andress, Bricker Graydon LLP, and Pepple & Waggoner Ltd as independent legal counsel in educational matters on an as needed basis.
Other organizational matters approved included: annual motions of authorization for superintendent Micki Egli and Treasurer Adam Fisher; the establishment of a board service fund in the amount of $15,000; the designation of Fisher as the board's public records training designee for 2024; and appointment of Fisher as the records officer for 2024.
mahart@mojonews.com