Mayors thank school board

Lorain Mayor Chase Ritenauer and Amherst Mayor Mark Costilow made guest appearances Jan. 14 to honor Amherst School Board members for School Board Recognition Month, as deemed by the Ohio School Boards Association.

The mayors presented the board with proclamations from both cities in honor of the board’s work to better the lives of students.

While delivering his proclamation, Ritenauer said being in Amherst is “like a walk down memory lane,” since he attended Amherst Schools through 12th grade.

“I really think any position in local government, particularly when you’re in the trenches like the school board, like city council, they’re tough positions,” he said. “I think it’s a real service to the community. I’m here to say thank you ... Obviously, there is a portion of Lorain that goes to Amherst Schools, and I want to extend my thanks and gratitude.”

Costilow delivered his thanks also by reaching out with potential collaboration between the district and the city on more projects.

“Everyone knows great schools make a great city and a great community,” he said.

Costilow read from his proclamation that, “I encourage all citizens to publicly and privately thank the school board members from all school districts serving this community for their dedicated services to our children.”

Amherst Schools Superintendent Steve Sayers also shared a healthy stack of letters and cards received from the district’s second-, thirdand fourth-graders thanking the board members.

Board member Ron Yacobozzi said although recognition is appreciated, it’s very rarely the reason why members serve.

“A proper board of education doesn’t run for those reasons,” Yacobozzi said. “This board, and fortunately many, if not most of the past board members, the board members have always run and are always here for the right reasons.”