New board member approved

MONROEVILLE — Monroeville Schools appointed a community member to its board on Monday. Greg Schafer will fill the seat left vacant when former board member Melissa Allen resigned for personal reasons in May. His position will run the remainder of this term, which ends on Dec. 31. The district said Schafer was the only applicant for the position, but Dan Bemis' and Mike Helmstetter's seats are also up for election later this year. Monroeville Schools board members are paid $125 per meeting they attend. Schafer said whatever he receives from the position will be donated back to a school-related project or program. Superintendent Kristin Kaple-Jones did not join the board for its interview with Schafer, but she commented on his connection to the school and community. "Greg has a deep commitment to the community and our school, which made him an outstanding candidate for our open seat," Kaple-Jones said. "He is very invested in our district and is always seeking ways in which to support and better our school." Kaple-Jones said she is pleased to have Schafer on the board. He values the school and wants what is best for the students. "There are so many great things going on in our district right now, some of which Greg is directly involved with, so this is a great opportunity for him to continue that leadership on the school board," Kaple-Jones said. "We have a lot of positive momentum right now after coming off of a hard year and it's definitely apparent in all the good work happening this summer around the district." Board vice president Dan Bemis said he has had opportunities to work with Schafer on several volunteer projects. He is always contributing his time and expertise. "I believe it's important to have a board that can work together but still has diverse backgrounds and opinions. And one that puts the kids and the school ahead of their personal interests," Bemis said. Q&A Schafer shared his reasons for running and what the community can expect while he is on the board: Q: Can you share some personal information about yourself and your connection to Monroeville and its school district? GS: I am a lifelong resident of Monroeville's school district. My wife, Krista, and I are proud parents to four boys who attend Monroeville Schools. I have been a business owner in Monroeville for over 20 years, and I am currently the president of Underground Utilities Inc. here in town. Q: Why did you want to join the board? GS: I have always done my best to support Monroeville Schools, primarily through volunteer work on infrastructure projects. I had been approached in the past to run for a position on the school board, but I was always content in that volunteer role, until recently when I heard more and more voices raising concerns about the state of things in the district, while at the same time noticing things myself that were in dire need of attention. I made my intentions to run for a board seat known early this year, and when a seat opened up for appointment, I applied and was subsequently accepted by the board. Q: What made you stand out as a candidate? GS: I feel my time managing a business combined with my experience working with district personnel through the many projects over the years, gives me many skills to offer toward the betterment of the district as a member of the board of education. Q: What are your top three priorities? GS: I feel accountability, leadership and transparency are all areas in which we can improve, and I look forward to working with the current members of the board to position Monroeville local schools on solid footing for the future.