The Governing Board of the South Central Ohio Educational Service Center recognized Board Member Fred Edgington during a special meeting on July 9, after Edgington announced his resignation during the June meeting.
“In recognition and appreciation, the board would like to thank Mr. Fred Edgington for his dedicated service and commitment to the governing board and local school districts from January 2006 to June 2019,” said Board Chairman Dr. Paul Crabtree, reading from the Resolution of Appreciation which passed with a unanimous vote by the board.
Dr. Crabtree, along with Board Members Lowell Howard and Michael Canter, commented that Edgington has been a great addition to the board and would be missed.
“Fred and I met seven years ago, and over a very short period of time became very close friends,” said Board Member Arnold McCoy. “I consider it quite a privilege to be able to serve with Fred. He is very intelligent, professional, and had a compassion for boardmanship. We will miss him on the board, but we won’t miss him as a friend because friendship is for a lifetime.”
Edgington graduated from West Union High School, in Adams County, Ohio, in 1954. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Wilmington College, and his Master’s Degree from Morehead State University. In 1957, he married Carol Frame, and they were blessed with two children. His 36-year teaching career began in 1958, and proudly included teaching, coaching, and guidance counselor at Manchester High School.
He joined the ESC Governing Board in 2006, and announced his resignation on June 27 after ongoing health problems.
“I appreciate Mr. Edgington. He was a great mentor. He took his boardmanship very seriously, even when he lost his vision. His wife would read the board packet to him. He came prepared. The job was serious. He wanted to do his best for the kids, and I respect that and I admire that. He will be missed,” said ESC Superintendent Sandy Mers.
ESC Treasurer Andy Riehl also shared some kind words during the meeting. He and Edgington shared a connection, and Edgington always took a genuine interest in Riehl’s family.
“All of the support he has shown for the children of Manchester, but also for this board and administration. He will be deeply missed, and I really appreciate his support of myself and your interest in my boys and my family means a lot to me,” Riehl said.
