PEMBERVILLE — The Eastwood Local Schools Board of Education has selected Eric Rutherford as its newest member.
The board met on Oct. 18. A total of eight applicants were considered for the position.
“I’m very excited to have Eric join the board,” said Randy Rothenbuhler, school board president. “We’ve had fantastic applicants to fulfill the open seat. Eric’s experience with working for the school has given us a fresh perspective.”
Rutherford is a 2008 graduate of Eastwood High School and joined the district as a teacher after completing his degree at Baldwin Wallace University. Rutherford previously taught the eighth grade science and marine biology courses and coached football, girls basketball and track.
“My reason is that I’ve been involved in education for a long time. Growing up, both of my parents were teachers. My grandparents were also into education,” Rutherford said. “I taught at Eastwood for 12 years. I had the opportunity to take another job that has been great, but I miss being involved in education. Serving on the board is an opportunity to make a positive impact on Eastwood Local Schools. I live in the community and I care about the future of Eastwood.”
Rutherford currently works for Guardian Sports as a regional sales representative, which has allowed him to stay in the Eastwood community.
“My wife and I have a 2-year-old and a 6-month-old,” Rutherford said. “Currently, they are not Eastwood students but we have the intention of them being Eastwood students when they are old enough.”
Rutherford fills the seat left vacant from the departure of AJ Haas and will serve the remainder of the term, which expires in 2025. If he so chooses, he will be up for election next November.
“The thing I have that is different from the other board members is that I’ve been in the school as a teacher,” Rutherford said. “Having 12 years of experience in the classroom working with students, teachers and administrators has given me a different perspective.”
The next board meeting will be held Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. in the Eastwood Administrative Office.
