by Jennifer Tangeman
Experience in education gave Logansport school board candidate Obie Martin an edge over the other four possible candidates, existing board members say.
“It’s good any time we can really look hard at someone who made education their profession,” board member Mike Fiscel said.
Board president Lynne Ness echoed Fiscel’s sentiment.
“Obie will bring a vast knowledge of curriculum and what the state expects,” Ness said. “And being a former teacher, he can bring something to the table that most of us do not have.”
Martin taught fifth grade at Fairview Elementary for two years before becoming a curriculum specialist for Pearson Education. His job includes establishing curriculum for text books, marketing, selling, hosting demonstrations and communicating with educators.
“I am looking forward to being a part of the corporation again,” Martin said. “Being a member of the Logansport community, of course, I am looking forward to being a part of bettering the schools and helping them become what they have the potential to be.”
Martin is also invested in Logansport schools because his wife is an eighth grade math and algebra teacher at Lincoln Middle School and he has a child within the system, another soon to be in school in Logansport and one on the way.
“Whenever a board member has kids in the corporation it is a good, hands-on way of knowing what’s going on,” Ness said.
The new board member said he has not yet outlined his specific vision for his contribution to the board, as he has a lot to learn.
“At this point, I will just be getting up to speed and the vision will form as we go,” he said. “I am excited to do my part to help the Logansport school corporation succeed.”
Superintendent Julie Lauck said training with Martin will begin almost immediately.
“I am happy to get him on board and start training soon,” Lauck said.
Martin will serve for the remainder of previous member Cyle Dibble’s term, approximately two and one half years. Dibble resigned from the board to accept the position as the corporation’s technology director.
The school board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Dec. 14.
• Jennifer Tangeman is a reporter for the Pharos-Tribune. She can be reached at 574-732-5148 or jennifer.tangeman@pharostribune.com.
