Barnett

LISBON — A longtime member of the Beaver Local School District Board of Education is stepping away to be closer to family.

During the regular Aug. 11 board of education meeting Jerry Barnett announced his resignation, effective immediately.

Barnett told the board that he is leaving due to moving out of the area to be closer to family.

He said he would be moved prior to the next regular board meeting in September.

As a result, the board is now seeking interested candidates for his seat on the board.

Letters of interest must be submitted to the treasurer’s office at 46088 Bell School Rd., East Liverpool, no later than 3 p.m. Aug. 18.

Letters and resumes may also be emailed to stacy.williams@beaverlocal.org by that deadline.

Candidates must be district residents and registered voters.

The person selected will fill the remainder of Barnett’s term which ends Dec. 31 of this year.

If that person wants to serve longer on the board they will need to run in the general election in November of this year.

Barnett has spent nearly 12 years on the board and said he is proud of his time on the board and the district’s many accomplishments during that time.

He added that he has been “blessed to be surrounded by caring, compassionate, people throughout the district” and that they have made the job easy and enjoyable.

He further added that he believes the transparency and communication of the group have been “keys to success.”

Barnett also wished to thank the voters of the community who entrusted him to help run the district to the best of his ability and ensure the students had the tools they needed to succeed.

He specifically credited former board member Lance Shultz for his decision to pursue serving on the board.

“Lance became a mentor to me and such a wealth of knowledge. I learned a great deal from Mr. Shultz … I will always be extremely grateful for our friendship and the time we spent on the board together,” he said.

He also said he leaves knowing the district will continue to excel and be the best because of the board, the teachers, administrators, custodians, paraprofessionals, secretaries, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, maintenance, students and “everyone else who walks these halls.”

District Superintendent Eric Lowe credited Barnett for his service.

“On behalf of the Beaver Local School District, its students, staff and community, we extend our gratitude for your 12 years of dedicated service on the school board,” Lowe said.

He went on to say that Barnett has always worked to do what is best for the district by keeping both a student centered approach and understanding the various facets of decision making in the district.

“You were an advocate for the district in our community and also with legislators to ensure the district was represented in the best possible manner. There have been many upgrades made to the district in the last 12 years which your voice, leadership and commitment helped to make a reality.

You have consistently demonstrated strong leadership and a forward-thinking approach. You have been active in the transportation department and assisted in significant upgrades to our fleet during that time,” Lowe said.

He went on to say that the district also benefited from Barnett’s strong belief in listing to all voices and that his unique perspective, informed by his professional background, and care for making a difference, served him well as a board member while also benefiting many others along the way.

“You have always been highly accessible and responsive, ensuring that every parent and community member felt heard. You have been a model of what a board member should be. Your contributions have made a tangible difference in the lives of our students and the future of our district,” he said.

Others on the board also wished Barnett well in his new move.

Board member Greg Eisenhart said it has been a pleasure working with Barnett and that he appreciates the many conversations they shared.

He also said that even though they may have had different perspectives sometimes they were always willing to work toward the best outcome for the district.

“It’s been a good ride. God bless and go Beavers,” Barnett said.

Board President Brian McKenzie echoed that sentiment.