Retiring New Richmond School Board members David Painter and Sharon Stark hold Excellent With Distinction car stickers and ceremonial bells presented to them at their last Board meeting.
Retiring school board members David Painter and Sharon Stark were honored at the December meeting of the New Richmond Board of Education.

Stark and Painter, who served a combined 12 years, will be replaced by incoming board members David Hawkins and Kim Hayden, both former board members.

Retiring New Richmond School Board members David Painter and Sharon Stark hold Excellent With Distinction car stickers and ceremonial bells presented to them at their last Board meeting.

Board member Fred Heflin praised the two outgoing members.

“I have served on the Board of Education on and off since 1979 and have served with 19 different board members,” said Heflin. “I want to compliment David and Sharon because they are at the top of the list.”

Painter praised the role New Richmond schools has played in his life.

“Were it not for teacher Suzanne Hale, I would still be sitting on the wall on Front Street,” said Painter. “She took a special interest in me and I went on to become the first member of my family to go to college.”

Painter praised the two new board members.

“I feel good about the members coming on board,” said Painter. “I’m confident the Board will continue to try to reduce the financial cost to the district and to improve on the education experience of students.”