NORTH ROBINSON, OH (Crawford County Now) — Colonel Crawford’s July Board of Education meeting served as superintendent Todd Martin’s last meeting at the helm of the district after twelve years.
Starting August 1, Martin will become the Deputy Superintendent of North Central Ohio Educational Service Center, overseeing all of the districts NCOESC serves, including Colonel Crawford.
“It has been a joy. I love the staff here, I love the administration, love the board, love the kids. I’m going to miss it,” Martin said as he emotionally addressed the board before the end of the meeting.
“I don’t know how we can possibly say any more good things about Todd Martin. I remember him as a student sitting in the senior hallway and before that, and I thought great things for his future, but I didn’t know how great. I didn’t know how well he was going to be received by the community when he came back to Colonel Crawford, but he made sure that it was fantastic. His tenure here is just beyond belief. I was extremely upset with him when he decided to turn in his resignation and I told him so several times. When you care enough to do the job that he has done, it takes a toll on you–you can only do it so long. We are so thankful that you took over the reins from Mr. Bruner and we are so thankful for the job that you did,” board president Norm Huber said.
“It is okay to show your emotion. I tried to hide mine for years, and it just solidifies who you are, and what you care about. I envy you how you are a professional in school and even more so with your family. I think it takes a balance. I think you are one of them guys that can balance that. I’ve come out here unannounced and we could talk for hours. Thank you for that, thank you for trusting me on the board, and best of luck to you,” board member Scott Rike said.
“It’s not just about how we feel, it is also about how the kids feel. I remember it was one of our first board meetings he was becoming superintendent and we had a long, drawn-out board meeting, and those kids sat out there at their car because they wanted Mr. Martin to see their new car. There were about ten of them that waited for about an hour so he could see their new car. He’s the type of person that loves their students, and his students love him; loves his staff, and his staff loves him. We thank you for your tenure here, and we hope to see you around for many years,” Huber said before the meeting was adjourned.
During the meeting, the board approved the use of The Safe School Helpline through ODE as the tip-line for the upcoming school year. Tips are routed to Lynn Sterling, one of the district’s School Resource Officers.
The board approved supplemental contracts for Jordan Oliver, high school head baseball coach; Ethan Weithman, high school head softball coach; Preston Foy, high school boys track head coach; Jody Grove, high school girls head track coach; Justin Cooper, marching band, pep band, and jazz band director for the 2024-2025 school year.
Tim Pruner and Lynn Sterling were approved as the district’s School Resource Officers for the 2024-2025 school year while students are in session.
The next board meeting, Mike Voll’s first as the new superintendent, is August 19 at 7 p.m.