NEWS RELEASE:
GALION – The Galion City School District Board of Education approved two resolutions to move forward with plans to expand the campus during its regular meeting Thursday, Dec. 19.
The first resolution passed by the board gives the treasurer and superintendent the authority to seek financing for construction of the new bus garage, relocation of the maintenance department facility and site improvements for the future use of the land purchased in 2016.
“This is a critical first step to bringing our vision to reality for our school campus,” said Jim Grubbs, Galion Superintendent. “We will seek financing for approximately $2.0 million, depending on the project estimates from our design firm.”
The second resolution passed by the board gives the district’s leadership the green light to send out request for qualifications from possible design firms for the development of the district’s expanded property.
“The design firm will be responsible for developing the plans for the new bus garage and site improvements for future use of the land,” said Grubbs. “We anticipate that moving the bus garage and maintenance facilities to the main campus will save the district approximately one full-time equivalent employee.”
The board later accepted a donation of $9,000 from the Arthur J. Freese Foundation, which is being used to purchase a new wrestling mat.
“We are very fortunate to have the support of the Freese Foundation,” said Grubbs. “I appreciate the Freese Foundation board’s support for our student-athletes.”
The board also recognized outgoing members, Mr. Brian Carson and Mrs. Jennifer Kuns, whom did not seek reelection for another term. Mrs. Kuns served as a board member for eight years, while Mr. Carson served for three years.
“I joined the board because I wanted to get involved to help move the schools in a positive direction,” said Carson. “I wanted to play a role in helping to provide a quality education to Galion kids.”
“I really never considered running for school board until Marge McCumber encouraged me to do so,” said Kuns. “The more I researched the role of a school board member, the more I wanted to be involved with the shaping of our community.”
Both Carson and Kuns cite the hiring of Superintendent Jim Grubbs and Treasurer Charlene Parkinson as one of many significant accomplishments during their time on the board.
“We hit the jackpot when we hired Mr. Grubbs and Mrs. Parkinson,” said Kuns. “They have been instrumental in the districts success.”
“I believe the district is moving in the right direction and with the leadership of this board, Jim, Charlene and the rest of the administrative team,” said Carson. “I am confident and excited to see all the positive changes that will occur in the future.”
Both Kuns and Carson will have fond memories of their time serving on the Board of Education.
“It has been a privilege to serve as the Board President for this last year,” said Carson. “Being able to speak at the graduation of my daughter is a memory I’ll always cherish.”
“I would like to thank the Galion community for supporting our great schools,” said Kuns. “We really are fortunate to have outstanding leadership, teachers, staff, students and programs, and I will miss serving on the board.”
The annual organizational meeting for the Board of Education will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the Galion Middle School computer lab Tuesday, January 9. The regular monthly January meeting will follow the organizational meeting at 6:30 p.m. January 9.