In a unanimous vote Wednesday night, the Greencastle City Council reappointed Russell Harvey to the Greencastle Board of School Trustees. Harvey first joined the school board three years ago as a replacement for Lisa McCoy, who had resigned.

Harvey was one of four applicants to be interviewed Wednesday night; the other three applicants were Derek Jorgensen, Lee Price, and Jenny Noll.

Each applicant was given the opportunity to make an opening statement and closing statement, with about 40 minutes of questions in between.

Derek Jorgensen, randomly selected to go first, worked 12 years for Crown and moved to the school district five years ago. His children currently attend Greencastle Schools and his wife had been a lifelong resident. His goal for the school board was to facilitate a more inclusive science fair, getting the younger students involved.

Jennifer Noll has an extensive history in the education field, including working with Gifted and Talented classes, minority-majority school in Fort Wayne, and educating at North Putnam. She retired as an administrator when her health took a turn, ultimately retiring completely for the same reason. However, Greencastle School Board rules of reorganization require she be a resident within the school district for three years. While Noll has resided in Putnam County in the home she and her husband built for 20 years and are selling the home to move into the condo they purchased on Ridgeland Road, they had not been within the district lines; thus, she was disqualified.

Lee Price has resided in Greencastle for 43 years, his entire life. He has spent 16 years with the Madison Tpwnship fire department and is Chief of the fire department. He has some experience with education, being a fireman training educator administering written tests and practical tests. His goals included improving the relationship between the Greencastle School Corporation and emergency training to ensure all staff and educators are aware of protocols for a variety of safety concerns, including active shooter drills.

The Greencastle School Board of Trustees is a five member team, each appointed to their position. Russell Harvey will continue as a City Council appointee alongside fellow appointee, Brian Cox. Other members of the School Board are Dale Pierce, Madison Township and Ed Wilson and Mike White, both Greencastle Township appointees. This is a four year term, beginning July 1, 2022.

Appointees are selected every two years; Brian Cox will be the next open seat in 2024.