Columbus City Schools honored departing board member Jeff Cabot on Dec. 18 for his service of six years with the Columbus City Schools (CCS) with a plaque commemorating his years of service and a framed picture of the 13 new schools that have been built in the district during phases one and two of the CCS Facilities Master Plan "because he was such an integral part in the building of these schools," according to Board President Dr. Terry Boyd.
Andrew Ginther, Columbus council member, came to the board meeting to express his deep respect for Cabot and his service to CCS. Ginther said Cabot was an important part of the CCS board, someone many people came to rely on. One of the things Ginther remembered was Cabot creating an Audit and Accountability committee that he said helped the board "tremendously."
"He’s a real significant mentor to me and he raised that committee up and implemented all the recommendations made by the state auditor, which helped with transparency and accountability and certainly made the levy last four years," said Ginther.
Former board member Bob Teater also commented that he appreciates Cabot’s knowledge and contributions to the community.
"He’s done so much tutoring of individual students, getting them through the difficult times in high school, and he can read a budget like a musician reads a music sheet. He’s been very valuable in many organizations because of that," said Teater.
Cabot said he would not run for a board member seat again in the future.
"I will continue to support the superintendent and the district in whatever way they ask me, but that’s it. Being a board member is the purest form of public service I’ve ever been around and I’ve been around a lot," said Cabot.
Cabot’s successor, starting in January, is Gary Baker, who currently serves as chair of the Greater Hilltop Area Commission.
