Names in the News: Ex-School Board Member Curtis Grimes Offers Final Remarks

In an email announcing his resignation, former member Curtis Grimes offered some final marks on his departure, reports the Akron Beacon Journal.

“As the years have passed, and even moreso recently, the ability to work as a member of such an important team, such as a school board, has grown ever more difficult,” Grimes wrote. “So much could be said that the general public doesn’t know about, but to do so would only be counterproductive to my main objective for serving on the school board to begin with, to help see to it that the children of this district receive the best education and educational experience possible.”

On Thursday, May 31 – one day after the Cuyahoga Falls High School commencement – school officials received Grimes’s resignation letter.

Those wishing to fulfill his unexpired term have until 4 p.m. June 11 to throw their hat in the ring.

The board anticipates appointing his replacement during a special meeting set for 5:30 p.m. June 26.

and will have the option of running to retain the seat in the November 2013 general election.

Those interested in applying should send a letter of interest to David Rump, board president, via e-mail to cf_rumpd@cfalls.org or via mail to 431 Stow Ave., Cuyahoga Falls OH 44221, by 4 p.m. June 11.

A press release issued by the district states that the board anticipates scheduling interviews next week in the meeting room at the Harold E. Wilson Administrative Center, 431 Stow Ave.

According to the board's website, members set policy and direction for the school district and exert a continuing supervisory responsibility by acting on all contracts, payment of monies, employment, program quality and development of effective educational programs.

The five-member board also engages annually in a long-range planning process that identifies specific goals and objectives for the district. These goals and objectives are tied directly to the district's annual budget.

According to district bylaws and policies, prohibited from serving on the board are those who have any direct financial interest in a contract with the district; furnish labor, equipment or supplies directly to the district or are employed by the board in any capacity for compensation.

Qualifications for serving on the board are specified by state law and can be viewing by clicking this link.

If the board is unable to select a candidate, or if no one applies for the position, before the required 30-day replacement period is up, then the vacancy is handed over to the Summit County Probate Court to make the appointment.