We know how important athletics are to our students and community, and that is why we want to inform you that the Board of Education voted at the September 17 board meeting to name Dr. Jeff Price, Ed.D., the interim athletic director as Mr. Dan Hartsel is stepping down as athletic director after serving our school district in that capacity for the last four years. Even though he is stepping down, Mr. Hartsel has committed to continuing in a consulting role to assist Dr. Price for as long as necessary as we transition. We appreciate Mr. Hartsel’s willingness to do this and his continued care for our athletes.
Mr. Hartsel said, “While we sometimes focus on wins and losses in the world of athletics, the people I have worked with at Van Buren are what will stick with me. Thank you to everyone who played a role in our success as an athletic department over the last four years. It has truly been an honor to serve as your athletic director.”
If you recognize Price’s name, it is because he served our school district during the 2023-2024 school year in the role of interim director of operations prior to the hiring of Mr. Casey Morman. In addition to experience as an athletic director, teacher, and principal, Price also served as superintendent at Ohio Hi-Point Career Center and Delphos City Schools before retiring in 2023 as superintendent of Hardin Northern Local School District. We appreciate the wealth of knowledge he will bring to this interim position and his previous service to our school district.
In addition to the hiring of Price, we also have Mr. Brian Beining, Mr. Jack Marshall, and Mr. Dakota Smith continuing in their roles as full-time teachers and assistant athletic directors to provide a seamless transition for student-athletes and families.
Throughout the remainder of this year, we will review the athletic director’s position with the goal of hiring a new athletic director in the months ahead.
Again, we appreciate all Mr. Hartsel has done for our school district, and we look forward to Dr. Price continuing to build on the momentum our athletic department has built over the last four years.