Family, former students ask Fairborn board to name drive or walkway for educator Ron McDermott

Family members and former colleagues urged the Fairborn City Schools Board on May 1 to name a roadway or walkway at the former 5 Points Elementary (the primary school site) for the late Ron McDermott, who served decades in local schools as a teacher, assistant principal and principal.

Mike McDermott, speaking for the family, described his father’s long career and said he and others would like a permanent, visible recognition. “I’d like to propose that we do, or, like, something like Ron McDermott Way,” he said, suggesting an entry and exit designation on the Dayton Yellow Springs side so the name would be widely seen.

Supporters offered testimonials at the podium. One longtime colleague read biographical material and praised McDermott’s influence on teachers and students. Jared Smith, speaking on behalf of the family, said McDermott helped recruit and mentor future educators: “When I think of people that are truly of service of other people, Ron McDermott’s the first thing that comes to mind to me personally.” Teresa Haddix Gumb described McDermott as a mentor who “led with integrity and consistency” and suggested a walkway would be a fitting and visible tribute.

What the speakers asked for: Family members proposed naming an entry drive or both an entry and exit for the primary school site (they suggested the label “Ron McDermott Way” and discussed placing the signs on the Dayton Yellow Springs side). They also suggested a commemorative walkway honoring his daily presence at 5 Points, and several speakers offered to coordinate a small, visible dedication in the school grounds.

Background offered during public comment: Mike McDermott listed parts of his father’s curriculum vitae from the public comment podium: degrees from Ohio University (bachelor’s) and Antioch (master’s), service at Mary Help of Christians and 5 Points from the late 1960s through the 1990s, assistant-principal and principal roles including 1982–1999 as principal at 5 Points, and a later return as assistant principal at the high school in the early 2000s. Several speakers recalled McDermott’s mentorship of multiple generations of Fairborn educators and his role in community traditions.

Board action and next steps: The public-comment period closed after multiple speakers asked the board to consider a dedication. The board did not take formal action or vote on the naming request at the May 1 meeting.

Why it matters: Speakers framed the request as honoring a longtime educator whose mentoring influenced many current teachers and administrators; they proposed a relatively modest, place-based recognition meant to keep the memory visible to students and the community.