(Posted June 23, 2020)
By Linda Dillman, Staff Writer
Jefferson Local Schools lost one of its biggest supporters on June 18 when Jerry Doran, a member of the West Jefferson High School Class of 1962 and longtime school board member, passed away.
Doran, 74, was a school board member for more than 20 years, a founding member of the West Jefferson Youth Athletic Association, and coached boys’ sports teams. Education and sports were important to Doran, evidenced by a passion to ensure students received their education.
“Jerry was a kid-oriented, student-focused person, who always had the welfare of students at the top of his priorities,” said Jefferson Local Schools Superintendent William Mullett. “He would always try to bring about positive change and was very well-informed.
“We worked closely together, and he was active in the current bargaining process. He was so intimately involved in so many things.”
Mullett said Doran was very hands-on. He recalled riding around with Doran during the last two school levy campaigns, placing yard signs throughout the community.
“He was a good man,” Mullett said. “He will be missed.”
In 1962, Doran was the center and a linebacker for West Jefferson’s state champion football team. After graduation, he joined the United States Air Force, served in England during the Vietnam War, and was a member of American Legion Post 201.
Doran earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Franklin University and retired from Decision One Inc. in 2008. He was a member of the West Jefferson Athletic Boosters, serving as vice president before his passing.
According to Mullett, the remaining four school board members have the option and authority to select a person to fill Doran’s vacancy but have not discussed their next step.
