Press release
Galion City School District Superintendent Jim Grubbs received the Professional of the Year Award during the Galion-Crestline Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Awards program May 9.
Mr. Grubbs was nominated for the award by Board of Education Vice President, and 2014 Professional of the Year Award recipient, Jennifer Kuns.
“Since Jim has taken the helm of the district, we have seen significant improvements in every facet of the district’s operations,” said Kuns. “We are very fortunate to have Jim as the leader of the Galion City School District.”
The climate and culture in the Galion City Schools has seen a marked improvement since Mr. Grubbs took the top leadership post. He was instrumental in the successful implementation of The Leader in Me program at the Galion Primary and Intermediate Schools.
“He has challenged the district’s staff to find new ways to engage students, which has led to the creation of a robotics-focused Gateway to Technology Program at the Galion Middle School,” said Kuns. “We’ve also seen a significant expansion of course offerings for High School students through the College Credit Plus program.”
Teachers have taken his challenge a step farther and implemented Flexible Seating in several classrooms in all Galion City School District buildings. A mentoring program is currently being developed at the Middle School for the 2017-2018 school year, and the High School is working with students and staff to explore possible changes to building’s dress code and cell phone policies.
“Mr. Grubbs has also been a catalyst for engaging Galion students in community service,” said Kuns. “He recommended that every Galion graduate be required to complete 15 hours of community service per year through 4 years of high school, which equates to nearly 6800 hours of service by Galion students each year.”
Mr. Grubbs has taken the lead in developing and executing plans to improve the district’s facilities. He oversaw the successful completion of the new press box at Heise Park, and continues to work with the community and Board of Education for the future development of the 15 acres that was purchased adjacent to the district’s campus.
“First, I would like to thank Mrs. Kuns for nominating me for this award,” said Grubbs. “I cannot think of a better way to say thank you than to quote Charles Swindoll; ‘Nobody is a whole chain. Each one is a link. But take one link away and the chain is broken.’
“There have been so many strong links to help me along the way and I want to give special thanks to the Board of Education, the Galion administrative team, the staff and a special thank you to the strongest links; my wife and kids.”