Local News

Mark Nigh resigns Shelby Eastern Schools board position

Mark Nigh told the story Wednesday night of his family’s history of serving in education in Van Buren Township in northern Shelby County.

 

Nigh’s great-great-grandfather was elected Trustee of Van Buren Township after he returned from fighting in the Civil War. The trustee was considered the same as today’s superintendent, according to Nigh.

 

Nigh continued with similar stories of his great-grandfather, his grandfather, and his father – all who served in educational advisory capacities. The call to serve is strong in the Nigh family.

 

On Wednesday at the Shelby Eastern Schools board meeting, Nigh submitted his letter of resignation, or as he called it his “letter of retirement.”

 

“I have served on probably 10 boards in my lifetime but the school corporation … the school board has been the most challenging and, I think, the most worthwhile,” said Nigh.

 

Serving 12-plus years as a board member, Nigh believes the time is right to move on now that a suitable replacement, with Nigh family ties, is ready to serve.

 

Andrew Hawk, Nigh’s son-in-law, was sworn in Wednesday at the monthly school board meeting and will fill Nigh’s seat at the April meeting.

 

“This is an opportunity having not grown up in this community to be more a part of it … to be more involved,” said Hawk. “I am the only person in the family that has not gone to Morristown (schools).

“This is my opportunity to be a part of the school system, serve and make sure not only my kids but the kids at Waldron have the opportunity to succeed.”

 

Jeff Brown photos

Andrew Hawk (right) reads his oath to serve on the Shelby Eastern Schools board Wednesday night as Superintendent Dr. Todd Hitchcock (left) watches on. Hawk is filling the seat vacated by his father-in-law, Mark Nigh (top photo), who is retiring from service.

 

Hawk and his wife, Carmen (Nigh), have three children who will be in all three Morristown schools (elementary, junior high, and high school) in the fall.

 

Nigh intended to retire after 12 years of service but there was no opponent in the most recent election so he agreed to stay on and represent Van Buren Township.

 

“On all the other boards I’ve served on, some had term limits. Twelve years is enough. I believe in term limits,” said Hawk. “And I’m at the point I am having trouble keeping up with the technology. It’s time to let the next generation come up with new ideas and make things happen.”

 

Nigh has been a bus driver with the school system for 45 years and he has a goal to reach 50 years. While he will not serve on the board, he will still be available to provide knowledge of school history and past board decisions when needed.

 

“I have appreciated getting to know Mark not only in his role as bus driver but on two different boards I serve with Mark on,” said Superintendent Dr. Todd Hitchcock at the board meeting. “He deeply cares about the community he serves and I greatly appreciate that.”

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