Due to the resignation of board member Mario Hernandez, who had to resign the board position he held for six years because he relocated outside the district, the East Liverpool City Schools Board of Education is seeking applicants to fill the now vacant position.

The board plans to move quickly on finding a new board member and interviewing interested candidates within the next couple of weeks due to an Ohio law that says the board must appoint a replacement within 30 days of the resignation. They anticipate holding interviews in an executive session at the Jan. 29 board meeting.

Hernandez’s resignation was accepted by board members and became effective on Jan. 15.

According to a media release provided by the district, Hernandez was initially elected to the board in 2020 and reelected for his current term in 2024.

Hernandez served on the Building and Grounds Committee and the Curriculum and Technology Committee, supported district initiatives which focused on facility improvements including Patterson Field renovations, student safety during the COVID-19 pandemic and community engagement efforts. He also served on the East Liverpool Fawcett Community Foundation Board of Directors.

He served as vice president with multiple contributions including annual board reorganization, strategic financial planning which included the district’s levy renewal process. Additionally, he coordinated back to school supply drives, helped to strengthen inter-district collaboration and school spirit initiatives which included The BOE Backyard Brawl, a board-to-board event with Beaver Local Schools and their board member Brian McKenzie.

“The East Liverpool City School District extends its sincere appreciation to Mr. Hernandez for his commitment, leadership and service to students, staff and the Potter Nation community,” David Hamilton, board president, said.

The individual selected to fill the board position will complete Hernedez’s current unexpired term, which ends Dec. 31, 2026. If the appointed member wants to continue serving on the board after that, they must seek election in the next General Election and meet all candidacy requirements at that time.

To be eligible to sit on the board, candidates must be at least 18 years of age, be a resident of the East Liverpool City School District and be a registered voter within the district

“Board members are expected to attend regular and special meetings, participate in committees, complete required board training, uphold ethical standards and work collaboratively to establish district policy and oversee the superintendent and treasurer,” the media release said.

Interested individuals can apply for the position by submitting a letter of intent and a resume to Treasurer Anson S. Wiegand at the district’s administration offices, 810 W. 8th St., no later than the end of business day on Jan. 23.

Applicants seeking additional information can contact the treasurer’s office at the East Liverpool City School District at 330-385-7673.

kgarabrandt@mojonews.com