Mentor board honors long-serving members; departing trustees reflect on service

The Mentor Exempted Village Board of Education recognized two board members concluding their terms on Dec. 9, presenting crystal cardinal awards and hearing remarks from both honorees.

Superintendent Mr. Heath introduced the presentations and praised both Ginny Jessling and Annie Payne for years of service. Ginny Jessling (spelled "Ginny Jesling" in parts of the transcript) was described as an educator, longtime volunteer and board member whose contributions included student achievement reports and committee work. Jessling spoke briefly to thank families and staff for their support.

Annie Payne delivered a longer farewell speech reflecting on four years on the board, describing motivations rooted in parental advocacy and faith, and saying she had opposed mask mandates and a DEI training she described as "focused on white privilege." Payne urged the community to engage respectfully and to hold future boards accountable, concluding with a call for prayer and well wishes to the incoming board.

Several community members offered tributes: Ken Buckley praised Jessling’s focus on student safety and fiscal responsibility; Don Schuch thanked both departing members and offered suggestions for budget savings; Lynn Mazzicka expressed appreciation for Jessling’s historical knowledge and steady presence. The board did not go into executive session and adjourned the meeting at 7:32 p.m.