Todd Smith (standing) is sworn in as the newest member of the Big Walnut Board of Education by Treasurer Darren Jenkins.
Courtesy | BWLS
SUNBURY — Todd Smith became the newest member of the Big Walnut Board of Education on Wednesday.
After being sworn in by Treasurer Darren Jenkins, Smith received applause from a full house in the Big Walnut Local Schools District Office. He will serve out an unexpired term ending Dec. 31.
Smith is taking the place of former board member Sherri Dorsch, who resigned due to moving out of the district. This prompted the board to appoint a replacement within 30 days. The board interviewed 12 candidates from April 4-6 and selected Brian Erwin by a 3-1 vote on April 10. However, Erwin declined the position. The board then met on April 17 and appointed Smith by a 4-0 vote.
“Since I’ve been on the job about an hour, I’ll say hello to everyone,” Smith said. “Looking forward to serving this school district and getting us to move forward.”
Board member Angela Graziosi welcomed Smith to the board.
The following students were recognized by the board: boys bowling team, state qualifiers; cheer team, 2023 OASSA State Champions Game Day Cheerleading; Lincoln Haught, Souders Elementary Student of the Month; Zander Murnieks, diving state qualifier; Adrianna Nagy, orchestra; Emma Rawls, All-State Honors Ensemble Choir; Leah Reiter, Big Walnut Middle School Art Student of the Month; Alex Snodgrass, All-State Honors Ensemble Choir; Flora Terry, Souders Art Student of the Month; Quincy Varughese, BWMS Student of the Month; Megan Weakley, All-Ohio Special Mention; and John Wion, swimming state qualifier.
Also recognized were several Purple Star families.
“Our district has become a leader in this program,” said Superintendent Ryan McLane. “This would not be possible without the hard work and support of our staff.”
The meeting was held on a Wednesday night instead of Thursday so Brice Clawson could give an update on the Delaware Area Career Center. DACC also meets on Thursday nights. Clawson said he has represented the district at DACC for the last three years. Big Walnut has 108 students at DACC (who start there as sophomores), or 8% of the center’s student body, and is growing. DACC offers 33 programs. There are associate school satellite programs in Agricultural Science, Career Exploration, and Engineering at Big Walnut.
Cybersecurity and Graphic Design are among the most popular DACC programs for students, Clawson said. He said the campus is at maximum capacity and will require expansion for more rooms.
“We also have a very robust adult education program,” Clawson said of DACC, including Firefighting and Welding. “We feel really proud of what we’re doing in the community here, students and adults.”
McLane said that due to interest in and the success of Big Walnut’s FFA program, an additional teacher is being hired in partnership with DACC. It was also noted that Big Walnut is among the 20% of districts in Ohio that are growing.
Assistant Editor Gary Budzak covers the eastern half of Delaware County and surrounding areas. He may be reached at [email protected].
