7/24/2010 6:00:00 PM Outgoing superintendent gets friendly send off at Wellston
Photo By Barbara Summers
Cake and kind words were enjoyed during the July 22 Special Meeting of the Wellston City School Board which was Eric Meredith’s last as Superintendent. Pictured, from the left, are Dr. Joe Essman, Gretchen Crabtree, Roger Rader, Eric Meredith, Terry Gill, and Jamie Johnston.
"Best Wishes, Eric," read a blue and gold cake in the Board room at Wellston City Schools as members came early to the Thursday, July 22 Special Meeting to spend a few minutes with departing Superintendent Eric Meredith.
"Eric came on board one year ago," said President Terry Gill, "during some hard times." Gill listed financial issues and the complexity of the building remediation project as the key problems confronting Meredith immediately.
"You did a tremendous job," Gill said of Meredith's work in "spearheading" the remediation. Buildings that were unsafe in high winds are now structurally sound, Gill continued. "Our children and our district thank you," Gill commented.
Gill added his thanks for Meredith's efforts in working closely with incoming Superintendent Karen Boch to provide an easy transition. Meredith received praise from Gill for his steadfast commitment to improving the district academically. "We're headed in the right direction," Gill said.
Gill concluded by saying, "It's a sad day," and thanking Meredith for the past year.
"This is your second term of service," declared Dr. Joe Essman, "and I'm happy with both of them."
Essman said he's been pleased that Meredith has not been afraid to tackle tough issues and impressed by the vigor with which he has continued to work positively on the district's behalf, even as he neared the end of his service.
In particular, Essman thanked Meredith for his "leadership" in the administrative decision to participate in paying for health care insurance.
Essman agreed with Gill that Meredith's care in assisting Boch as she prepares to step into his shoes has been admirable.
Gretchen Crabtree was tearful as she bade Meredith good-bye. While she did not want to lose him, Crabtree said she understands that family is very important and why he had decided to depart.
"I do hate to see you go," said Roger Rader as he agreed with what had been said. He is hopeful Meredith will not lose contact with Wellston.
Jamie Johnston has only been a member since January but felt that Meredith has "taught me a lot" and has done "an excellent job."
"We're gonna miss you," Johnston stated.
"It's been a great year," Meredith stressed, "I've had a phenomenal staff." Not only did Meredith point to a superb "team" in the Administration Building but he hailed a "great teaching staff" and "great support staff."
"I did not want to leave Wellston at all," Meredith said of his "tough decision," but "my family is the most important thing to me."
"I will always have a special place in my heart for Wellston," Meredith proclaimed and promised to get back for as many sporting events as possible.
Meredith assured the Board of his confidence in Boch's capabilities and thanked members for giving him the opportunity to work here.
It's been "a really great place to work," Meredith said in closing, "I wish Wellston nothing but the best."
