New member joining Piqua Board of Education

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By Haylee Pence

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PIQUA – Beginning in January 2022, the Piqua Board of Education will have a new member, Sean Mitchell, who ran unopposed in the Nov. 2 election. Mitchell will replace Board Member Andy Hite who was on the board for 16 years.

Mitchell decided to run for the position after becoming aware of an upcoming opening with support from family, friends, and colleagues. He currently works within the city of Piqua in the utilities department.

Mitchell was “born and raised” in Piqua and has been involved in the school system through himself, his wife, and their four children. He also coaches the Junior High football team, which he says “is very fun and rewarding.”

While Mitchell is “still learning the ins and outs of this new position,” he is “excited to be a part of something impactful” and is eager to work with the children, he said.

During his four-year term, he hopes to focus on the children. He wants to “help out making decisions,” which will impact various parts of the Piqua school system. The most important aspect to Mitchell is “making sure the kids are safe and have what they need to learn and be successful.”

Mitchell is mostly excited about being able to see the administrative side of the schools after being a student, parent, and coach. He has already been involved with a board meeting in Columbus where he was able to “learn the ropes.”

“Everyone was really inviting and welcoming,” Mitchell said.

To the students and their families, Mitchell wants to say, “I’m an easy guy to talk to, and I will always try to answer your questions the best I can. I will do my best to keep an open mind and provide my best judgement.”

Hite decided not to run for re-election to the board after 16 years because “[he] feels that Piqua schools are in a very good place, and after 16 years, it was time for newer, fresher ideas.” Hite is hopeful and wishes Mitchell “nothing but the best of luck” as Mitchell embarks on a new journey to experience the “humbling” dedication of all the staff involved in the school system, and the talent of the students.

“It is all about the students for Sean, [and] with that mind set, you can have nothing but success,” Hite said.

To the students and their families, Hite would like to say, “Thank you to the citizens of Piqua for the trust that they have placed in me during my tenure, [and] it has been an honor to serve the students.” He would like to leave them with the thought to “remember and recognize the talent that you have in every employee in Piqua City Schools and how lucky you are to be in a district that cares so deeply about the success of each student who walks through the doors of our buildings.”

“Good luck to Sean Mitchell as he joins the Piqua Board of Education,” Hite finished.

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