Hamilton’s most veteran school board member to retire

For longer than almost all other area elected school officials, Hamilton’s Dr. Glenn Stitsinger was a steady hand for more than three decades steering the city’s schools forward.

Stitsinger will end 32 years on the Hamilton Board of Education on Dec. 31, having previously served as board president of the governing body nine times.

As a 12-year school board representative on the district’s facilities committee, the local dentist was instrumental in securing funding, design review, and construction oversight of 10 new schools and the complete renovation of two others.

He helped keep the district sound financially, and worked to pass the only two operating levies for Hamilton schools since 1969 as the 10,000-student school system enjoys one of Southwest Ohio’s longest streaks of abstaining from asking residents for an operating tax hike.

“I always sought the best result for students, supported teachers in their mission, and championed the fine arts program,” said Stitsinger.

“As a life-long Hamilton resident, Hamilton High School graduate, father of two Hamilton High graduates, and with several career Hamilton teachers in the family, I am totally dedicated to Hamilton and our schools,” said the school board member who was first elected in 1986.

Current school board President Steven Isgro praised Stitsinger, saying “during his tenure the Hamilton school district was able to build new schools and modernize three others. This has help improve the ability of all of our children to succeed.”

And, Isgro added, “over my last four years working with Dr. Stitsinger, I found that his input on programs has been very helpful. His knowledge and advice will be greatly missed.”

Board of Education Vice President Robert Weigel marveled at the scope of Stitsinger’s political office career and his ability to help the school district weather the ups and downs of state and local school funding.

“Dr. Stitsinger has seen the state funding pendulum swing several times. He has been an invaluable, calm voice for fiscal responsibility in school budgeting knowing first hand the importance of saving for a rainy day,” said Weigel.

“He has worked with a large number of school administrators including three different superintendents and two treasurers. He has attended hundreds of meetings with thousands of hours of service to Hamilton all while declining any pay. He is a true example of dedication to the community and its residents,” said Weigel.

Hamilton Schools Superintendent Tony Orr said of veteran board member, “the Hamilton school district is forever indebted to Dr. Glenn Stitsinger for his 32 years of service to our students, staff, and our community.”

“Championing new facilities and high academic standards, Dr. Stitsinger has always advocated for improved student performance. And he has been our historian who provided us with keen insight into our community,” said Orr.

A U.S. Army veteran who served in Vietnam, Stitsinger said his tenure serving the public was a privilege.

“I’ve done all I could to improve my hometown schools,” he said.

An event to honor Stitsinger will be held from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 27, at the Courtyard by Marriott Hamilton.

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