Lowell Smith’s family looks on as the board of education dedicates its meeting room in his honor Tuesday evening. The plaque held by Mr. Smith’s wife and daughter will be placed in the room.
Lowell Smith’s legacy endures on a plaque that will grace the Mansfield City Schools Board of Education meeting room at the Raemelton administration building.
The plaque, which bears Mr. Smith’s picture and a brief biography, includes this inscription: Student achievement was his unwavering passion and the focus of his lifelong work.
As Mr. Smith’s family looked on Tuesday evening, the board unanimously adopted a resolution dedicating its meeting site as the Lowell T. Smith Board of Education Room.
Mr. Smith, who died in January at age 77, served Mansfield City Schools for more than 30 years as a teacher, coach, executive director of personnel and member of the board of education. His term on the board spanned 2010 through 2013, including two years as president.
“Lowell loved all of you,” said his wife, Jan. “He would be surprised and humbled by this. He never did anything for recognition.”
As many in the room dabbed moist eyes, Mr. Smith’s son, Scott, expressed the family’s appreciation.
“Thank you to Mansfield City Schools and the board for this remembrance,” Scott Smith said as he held the plaque which honors his father. “Perhaps the board could not have chosen a better person to represent passion for children.”
Scott Smith, an elementary teacher in the Cincinnati area, said he strives each day to embody that same passion in his work.
Lowell Smith’s daughter, Sara Sabatino, cited her father’s commitment to Mansfield City Schools.
“He was so proud of this school district,” she said.
Superintendent Brian Garverick and board members Dina Davis, Renda Cline, Monica Hubbard and Cliff Crose each expressed their admiration for Mr. Smith and his many contributions to the betterment of the district.
Mrs. Davis recalled that she and Mr. Smith were elected to the board at the same time in November 2009.
“Lowell was a great mentor and friend. I miss him greatly,” she said. “He touched every life in this room and many more.”
In remarks before the dedication, Garverick noted Mr. Smith’s long service to the district.
“Mansfield City Schools has never had a more dedicated employee, a better friend or a stronger advocate than Lowell Smith,” Garverick said.
In other action, the board:
-- Approved the 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 school calendars. The school year will start earlier and end earlier, Garverick said, and the first semester each year will end before winter break. The first day of school for the coming year will be Aug. 19.
-- Approved several retirements, including district treasurer Rosetta Stephens (Sept. 1) and Woodland Elementary principal Renee Bessick (July 1).
-- Heard a report that the Ohio Association of Student Councils state conference will return to Mansfield April 28-30, 2016. Mansfield hosted the annual state gathering in 2013 when approximately 500 students from throughout Ohio participated.
The board’s next scheduled meeting will be May 19 at 5 p.m. at Raemelton.