(Posted April 29, 2016)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
On April 25, the Southeastern Local Schools board of education unanimously appointed Hans Eriksen to fill a vacancy on the board.
Eriksen replaces Tammy Stoops, who resigned on April 12, the same day she pled guilty to felony theft in office related to her former job as chief probation officer for the Madison County Common Pleas Court Juvenile Division.
“The board has worked closely with its legal counsel in regards to this matter and assures its public that is has been diligent in monitoring the situation over the course of the last few months,” the school board said in a statement released on April 12.
Following Stoops’ resignation, the board put a call out for anyone interested in filling the vacancy. Fourteen individuals responded, according to district treasurer, Brad McKee. All but one attended a special board meeting on April 18, at which the candidates were given time to talk about their interests in and qualifications for holding the seat.
The board appointed Eriksen at the start of the regular meeting on April 25. He will serve through the end of 2017, at which times two years will remain on the term. The unexpired term will be up for election in November 2017, as will two full four-year terms on the board.
Eriksen has lived in South Charleston for 24 years. He and his wife, Christy, have one son who graduated from Southeastern High School and three children who currently attend school in the district. Eriksen’s wife and in-laws are lifelong residents of of the school district.
“Although I was not raised in South Charleston, I have a clear understanding of what is important to this community, this school district and the people in it,” Eriksen said in his letter of interest to the board.
Eriksen owns and operates PAR II LLC Asphalt Maintenance and Markings. The Clark County business has tripled in size and revenue over the last 10 years. Eriksen brings this business experience to his new position on the school board.
“I have learned to work with both positive and negative customers, in addition to how to work with and manage employees,” he stated. “Because of my experience as a business owner, I know how to balance revenue with expenses and manage assets.”
He also is heavily involved in his in-laws’ farming operation.
“Knowing that agriculture is a large income base for Southeastern Local, I feel I could be a voice for that sector of the community,” he stated.
Eriksen holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics, which he received from The Ohio State University in 1991. Before acquiring his business, he spent 10 years in livestock procurement and financing with Producers Livestock and Michigan Livestock Exchange. His community involvement includes 15 years as a 4-H advisor and volunteer. He also served on the Clark County Swine Committee.
