Port Clinton picks new board member

PORT CLINTON — Port Clinton Schools filled its vacant board position this week. Gary Coon was sworn in by treasurer Jeff Dornbusch as the newest school board member Monday. He replaces longtime board member Barb Drusbacky, 71, who died in July. After officially becoming a board member, Coon participated in his first public meeting. Coon, the father of a recent Port Clinton High School graduate, is a financial adviser at Edward Jones Investments who has served on the district's financial advisory committee. He lives in Port Clinton with his wife, Michelle, and son, Mitchell. Port Clinton's board selected Coon after an application and interview process. Officials had one month to appoint a new member, according to Ohio School Boards Association rules. On his board member application, Coon wrote, "I believe in quality public education for current and future students. I look forward to working with parents, teachers, and staff to achieve success with the children as the ultimate focus." The other Port Clinton board members are president Beth Benko, vice president Michele Mueller, David Belden and Paul Shaw. Drusbacky, a 1967 alumna, served her alma mater for almost four decades as a board member since January 1982. She has served the district as the board vice president for several years and was a teacher at area schools for 29 years. "'We Are PC' was the motto she lived by as she loved, supported and attended events and functions related to Port Clinton City Schools," her obituary states. "Barb was a true servant to the Port Clinton community, and her dedication to the students of the district was unwavering," Benko said. "Barb wanted nothing more than for each and every child to succeed. It was an honor and privilege to know and to work alongside Barb. She will be sorely missed." Coon's current term expires in December. The seat will be voted on during the general election in November for a new four-year term. To be on an Ohio school board, candidates must: • Live in the school district they seek to serve • Be a U.S. citizen • Be 18 years old or older • Be an Ohio resident for at least 30 days before to the election • Be a resident of the county and precinct in which he/she plans to vote for at least 30 days prior to the election. Reach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com and follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood