FINAL MEETING — It was the end of an era for Indian Creek Local School Board President Dr. John Figel, who held his final meeting Thursday. Among those on hand for the meeting were, from left, Superintendent T.C. Chappelear, Assistant Superintendent John Belt, Figel, board member Andrew Speece, Treasurer Adam Lewis and member Stephen Cowser. Dr. Ted Starkey and Dan Bove also are board members. -- Contributed

MINGO JUNCTION — It’s the end of an era.

Those were the words spoken by Indian Creek Local School District Superintendent T.C. Chappelear to describe longtime member Dr. John Figel’s final meeting at Indian Creek Middle School on Thursday, bringing a close to roughly 30 years of service. Dr. Figel, who most recently served as board president and is also a past vice president, did not seek re-election and his vacant seat will be filled by Brianne Schoolcraft in January.

Figel first joined the board in 1992 after being involved with the school system in his native Mingo Junction. He briefly left but returned again in 1998, where he remained ever since. During that time, he watched the district weather turbulent times and was pleased to see it become the strong, cohesive organization it is today.

“I knew it was at a time when we were probably looking to bring the schools together and thought I could help with the process,” he said, noting the development of new facilities as the high point of his tenure.

He told the board that many hard choices were made, but the result was a positive outcome.

“When I go back to the beginning, I’ve made a lot of decisions in my life. But when we decided to bring the schools together, that was probably the most difficult decision of all,” he said, recalling the strained relationships within the school community. “It came down to a 3-2 vote and I cast the vote not to, and it was the 100th year for Mingo High School.”

The move was deferred and approved during the 1993-94 school year, which he would question since it led to the reduction in force of teaching positions and more difficult choices.

“I always asked myself if we really made the right decision, but now … I’m honestly convinced it was the right decision. It took us a good while to become Indian Creek, per se. You really appreciate where we are today and hopefully moving forward.”

Figel also praised the board for running like a well-oiled machine and said it was time for him to move on. He will continue his work as a physician with Trinity Health System — a career he has held for four decades — and devote time to his other favorite role as grandfather. But he also intends to continue his unwavering support of the school district.

School leaders expressed their deepest gratitude for his service, saying he made an indelible mark upon the district. Chappelear said he was fortunate to serve with Figel, who saw the district through the difficulties of consolidation and has remained dedicated to the district and its students.

“He’s the only board member to see Indian Creek High School from start to where we are now. (He has) been a face of the district and a stalwart, invaluable in his knowledge of the district and also for keeping his focus on what’s best for the kids,” Chappelear added. “I want to say thank you for your service and I appreciate all that you do.”

He presented Figel with an inscribed bell and a certificate of appreciation from the Ohio School Boards Association while a small reception was held following the meeting.

Board member Dan Bove, who was absent from the session, provided a letter which was read by Chappelear. In it, Bove called Figel compassionate and genuine and said he personified leadership.

“It has truly been a pleasure to serve with you,” he stated. “You have always been both an ambassador and a cheerleader for the district.”

Meanwhile, Schoolcraft said Figel was a tough act to follow.

“I’m excited to come into a well-organized board and work with people who are committed to the school district,” she said. “It’s also bittersweet because Doc’s leaving. He so well-respected and its tough shoes to fill. I’m passionate about making a change and making the best decisions for (the people we serve.)”

She also has strong ties to the school district as an alumna and current member of the Indian Creek Foundation Board and Indian Creek Football Parents Club, plus she acts as secretary of the Indian Creek Athletic Boosters. The Wintersville resident instructs cosmetology at the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School and said she was eager to begin her new role.

Subsequently, Figel welcomed her into the fold.

“She’s someone who is very interested in the best for our district and she’s been a champion for the district. It’s time to turn it over to folks like her to carry it on,” he said, then passing the proverbial baton to his successor. “It’s all yours.”