GALION — After nine years on the Galion City Schools Board of Education, vice president Brian Owens attended his final meeting Tuesday evening ahead of his family moving out of the area.
“I loved my time on the board,” Owens said. “I didn’t know what I was getting into.
“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,” Owens continued. “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.”
“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,” board president Grant Garverick said. “I am going to miss you very much, Brian.”
“I look at you as a colleague and as a friend, and 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,” superintendent Jim Grubbs said.
Also during the meeting, the board accepted a $1,200 donation from Colleen Howell to be used for technology premium fees for students in need, and two 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.
The board also accepted the resignation of Jacob Grove, high school assistant principal, effective July 31. The board wished him the best as he moves on to be the assistant principal in the Madison School District.
The next regular board meeting is July 13.