Cowser, Speece join Indian Creek Board of Education

WINTERSVILLE -- The Indian Creek Local Board of Education welcomed two new members as Stephen Cowser and James Speece conducted their first official meeting on Sept. 11.

Cowser, a longtime educator, and Speece, a local businessman, were sworn in along with re-elected member Dr. Ted Starkey during the organizational session at Indian Creek High School. The newcomers succeeded Kim Mark and Bob Smith, who opted not to seek re-election following a combined tenure of more than 40 years.

Cowser is no stranger to the district as he is a Wintersville High School alumnus. He attended West Liberty State College where he earned a degree in education and taught for a total of six years in the Steubenville City and Edison Local school districts with another decade in Mingo Junction. Following a turn at Buchanan Junior High, he became dean of students and assistant principal at ICHS before earning the top job as principal. He served in the latter post from 2008-14 and retired to spend more time with his family, which includes wife Kathi, three children and three grandchildren.

He then opted to serve the district in another capacity and threw his hat into the ring for the board seat.

"I wanted to use my knowledge of education to help the board," Cowser explained. "It's going to be a fun ride. I just want to maintain the high standards that Indian Creek has held."

Speece, a Weirton native, graduated from Weir High School and then West Liberty University with a business degree with a specialization in accounting. He relocated to Mingo Junction with his wife, Amanda, and served as an assistant manager at the Steubenville Country Club but has worked with GPC Contracting Inc., his family's industrial maintenance business in Wintersville, since 1997. Speece, who also has two children, said his involvement in youth activities inspired him to seek a board position.

"I've been doing youth sports and have been the treasurer of two boards, plus I have union knowledge [with my job]. I'm here for the kids and I want to see Indian Creek grow. I want to see it move forward," he added. "I want my kids to have something to be proud of and my kids' kids as well. I'd like to keep our kids here and keep the torch passed."

Superintendent T.C. Chappelear welcomed the newest members and said it was a sign of great things to come.

"The whole idea of public education is that we educate everybody…and the fact that we have a community that votes for folks who determine what education looks like," he said. "Congratulations and welcome."