Forest Hills Board of Education President Retires

Board of Education President Randy Smith recently announced that he will retire from the board in December 2019 at the end of his current term.

“We know that Randy will enjoy his much-deserved retirement and we are grateful for the years of service, leadership and guidance that Randy has given to our schools and our community,” said Scot Prebles, superintendent. “As a school district community, we have experienced a lot of change throughout recent years and our school board has brought us to a place where we are able to look to the future with hope and promise.” 

Smith has served the community as a school board member since elected in 2003. As a 16-year school board member, he helped the district renovate eight schools and build one new school, developed board of education committees, and was the founder of the Forest Hills Foundation for Education.  

“The first year I was elected, I was looking for a way to provide extra opportunities for students in our school district without adding to the existing budget,” said Smith. “I began establishing the Forest Hills Foundation for Education in 2004 and I’m very proud of what has evolved 15 years later.”

“Students are the number one priority for Randy and the work he’s done will have a positive impact for decades to come,” said Dee Dee Choice, vice president of the Forest Hills Board of Education. “Randy cares deeply about Forest Hills and always wanted what was best for students, staff, and the community. Additionally, his knowledge and experience working at the state level has helped board members and the community stay well informed.”

Smith also served as the 2018 president of the Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) last year.  He spent a significant amount of time leading the state organization as well as lobbying for education issues in Columbus and Washington DC.  

Randy Smith and his wife, Susan, plan on spending more time with family as well as at their home in Florida. 

“The relationship between a school district and the community is such a critical one and my intention as a member of the board was to always do what was in the best interest of our students, staff and taxpayers,” said Smith. “It has been a privilege and an honor to serve my community in this capacity, although I must admit that I am looking forward to my days of relaxation and spending more time with family.”

Smith worked in marketing at Procter & Gamble for 36 years and retired in 2015. He has served on many boards and committees, including as president of the Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) Southwest Region Executive Board and the University of Cincinnati Foundation Board of Trustees. OSBA has recognized Smith more than 14 times with the Award of Achievement for displaying exemplary commitment to learning and leadership.

Jim Frooman, who has served on the school board since 2011, will also not pursue another term. Forest Hills voters will select two new board members during the November election.

Smith and Frooman will be recognized during their final Forest Hills Board of Education meeting. That meeting is at 7 p.m. on December 16th at Nagel Middle School, located at 1500 Nagel Road.