School board member steps down

OAKWOOD — Debra Hershey, a five-year member of the Oakwood Board of Education, has resigned to relocate with her family to Michigan, district officials announced.

District Treasurer Kevin Philo said Hershey submitted her resignation Oct. 1. He said Ohio law requires the school board to appoint someone to fill Hershey’s term within 30 days, which would be by Oct. 31. The appointee would serve the remainder of Hershey’s term, which expires Dec. 31, 2011.

Hershey recently closed on her Park Road home.

Her resignation comes after board President Dr. Paul Vanderburgh and member Beth Merritt announced they were not seeking re-election.

Seats for three four-year terms are up for grabs Nov. 3. Board Vice President Elizabeth Reger is running uncontested with Chris Epley of Beverly Place and Michael Miller of Fairmont Avenue.

Candidates interested in completing Hershey’s term must be a legal city residents and registered voters, Philo said, and candidate consideration will be based on:

• Interest in public service.

• Previous experience. Preference will be given to those who have served on governing boards.

• Knowledge about the school district.

• Potential for long-term service.

• Who will represent the community in making decisions in the best interest of the students, the district and its stakeholders.

Applicants have until 4 p.m., Monday, Oct. 12, to submit a letter of interest and their credentials to Vanderburgh, 20 Rubicon Road, Oakwood, OH 45409.

Philo said the board will interview candidates the week of Oct. 19.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2414 or kwynn@DaytonDailyNews.com.

About the Author