Larry Walton, who served for more than a quarter of a century as a board member with the East Liverpool City Schools Board of Education, died Thursday. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)

EAST LIVERPOOL — The East Liverpool City School District is mourning the passing of Larry Walton, who served as a school board member for the district for nearly 30 years.

Walton, who passed on Thursday at the age of 86, recently regretfully resigned his board position due to health issues. He had previously considered resigning about a year ago due to health issues but decided against it because he didn’t feel ready to step away when he felt there was still some good he could do for the students in the district.

In a social media post on the district’s Facebook page, Walton was described as a devoted champion of education and a steadfast advocate for the district’s students.

During his time as a board member, Walton spent multiple years serving as the liaison between the school board and the Ohio School Board Association (OSBA). Until his health would no longer allow him, Walton would go to Columbus monthly to meet with the other OSBA members from around the state to converse and exchange ideas.

Walton brought ideas back to the district, such as adjusting the district’s accounting to allow for free/reduced lunches for students, finding alternative funding for workbooks and more.

“We are a poor school district,” Walton previously said. “We don’t have a lot of money, and I hate that we spend something on the average of $7,200 per kid when other districts such as ones in Columbus can spend $85,000 per student. We have to look beyond taxes to grants and other resources.”

Walton developed an interest in education after being inspired by Don Lowe, former superintendent for Wellsville Village Schools.

Walton is described as having an unwavering commitment to excellence and leaving an indelible mark on the district.

The district noted that Walton dedicated his life to enriching educational opportunities for so many students. He was known to attend graduations, be present to support school events or taking the lead on transformative initiatives and possessed a strong belief in the power of education to shape students’ futures.

Walton had previously said that he considers each of the students in the district his kids and he makes it a point to attend as many student functions as possible and meet and talk with students, staff and parents. He said he would not go into a classroom, though, because he did not want to interrupt learning.

The district also said that during Walton’s tenure, it was under his leadership that advancements were made in the career tech programs, vital grants for student resources were secured and the bond strengthened between the school and the community.

“His passion, wisdom and dedication will forever be remembered,” the district’s social media post said. “East Liverpool City Schools extends our deepest gratitude for his years of service and sends heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.”

kgarabrandt@mojonews.com