Anson Wiegand, treasurer, East Liverpool Board of Education, administers the oath of office to newly appointed board member Roberto Grogg. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)

EAST LIVERPOOL — The East Liverpool school board has a new member.

The East Liverpool City Schools Board of Education held a special meeting on Wednesday to interview and select a new board member to fill the seat left vacant by the resignation of the late Larry Walton who resigned in January due to health issues and recently passed away.

Three candidates –Stewart Wallace, Roberto Grogg and Brian Loeding — were interviewed by Board President David Hamilton, Vice President Mario Hernandez and board member Tamar Cooper in an executive during the meeting. Board member Matt Handley was absent and excused from the meeting.

Following the executive session the board reconvened in open session to discuss and vote on their candidate.

Grogg was selected to fill the seat by a 3-0 vote.

“I am honored to join the board of education and look forward to working with my fellow members to ensure the continued success of East Liverpool City Schools,” Grogg said. “I believe in strong collaboration between schools, families and the community to provide the best possible education for our students.”

Grogg will serve for the remainder of the current term which ends Dec.31 and serve on key committees focused on district operations, policy development and community engagement during this term.

Grogg’s decision to apply for the vacant seat wasn’t a spur of the moment decision he made when the vacancy was announced. Grogg said he began to consider running for the position last spring after speaking with Walton’s daughter Heather Dissette after Walton initially announced his plans for retirement.

Grogg said he has some huge shoes to fill stepping into Walton’s position, but he plans to do the best he can.

“There is no replacing Larry’s experience, it’s just carrying on his mission at the best I can do.”

Grogg began attending board meetings while considering his decision to sit on the board to get a feel for what the board of education was about.

Being a parent of students in the district, for which Grogg said he is very involved in their schooling, has allowed him to see the different perspective of the buildings which made him want to help in moving the district forward toward their goals. Grogg is also a former band booster president.

“A parent of four children currently enrolled in East Liverpool Schools, Grogg has a strong understanding of the district’s needs at all grade levels. His experience in working with parents, teachers and support staff has given him insight into the challenges and opportunities facing students today,” a media release from East Liverpool City Schools said. “Committed to fostering a positive and enriching learning environment, he aims to support initiatives that enhance both academic and extracurricular opportunities for all students.”

The media release noted that Grogg’s appointment reflects the board’s dedication to strengthening community involvement and supporting student achievement with his background in problem-solving, team building and conflict resolution, which will contribute to the district’s continuing efforts to enhance learning and development.

Grogg noted that he comes from a pretty humble background which will enable him to understand what a lot of the students in the district are going through.

“We are pleased to welcome (Mr.) Grogg to the board of education,” Hamilton said. “His perspective as an engaged community member and parent will be invaluable as we continue to work toward our district’s goals.”

The East Liverpool City Schools Board of Education meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Westgate Administration Building. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Feb. 27.

kgarabrandt@mojonews.com