BROOKVILLE — The Brookville Local Schools Board of Education approved a three-year contract for David Williamson III as the district’s new director of support services and transportation supervisor.

The contract is effective from Jan. 3, 2024 to July 31, 2027.

Williamson replaces Jeff Requarth, who earlier announced his retirement effective Jan. 2.

Requarth received praise and thanks from his colleagues as he attended his last board meeting.

“I would like to congratulate Jeff and thank him,” current athletics director and former high school principal, Chris Bronner said.

“We’ve done a little battling over the years, but that’s OK. We do it because we want the best for our kids and for the system,” Bronner continued.

“I appreciate what you’ve done and wish you the best as you move forward,” Bronner said.

Cory Caudill, Director of Technology and Digital Communications, said when he was employed by the board three years ago, Requarth was there to provide guidance and assistance.

“I’ve only been here three years and he kind of took me under his wing,” Caudill said.

“His work ethic has been incredible and I tried to soak as much of that in as I possibly could,” Caudill continued.

Katrina Hillard, who recently became the district’s treasurer, also thanked Requarth for his help and support.

“I want to say thank you even though it’s been short lived. You made my transition into this position easy,” Hillard said.

Brookville Schools Superintendent Jason Wood thanked Requarth and stated his absence will be felt.

“You will be missed, especially in the administrative team meetings,” Wood said.

“You always have words of wisdom at the end of those meetings and you were kind enough to put them all together for us the other day,” Wood continued.

Board president Judy Hoover noted Requarth’s presence is literally everywhere in the district.

“As a board, it’s hard to say thank you for everything that you have done for this district,” Hoover said.

“As I look at the district, every place I’ve looked, I see a little bit of Jeff Requarth. I will always see your footprint on it,” Hoover continued.

Hoover also praised Requarth’s dedication to the district.

“Truly, we appreciate the time and energy,” Hoover said.

“There have been times where’s there’s been late nights you’ve been here. There have been weekends when you’ve been here. It takes a lot of time and we appreciate it,” Hoover continued.

“It’s been an honor and a pleasure to serve this school and this community all these many years,” Requarth said.

Requarth, who has served as the district’s director of support services and transportation supervisor for nearly 14 years, said he had an obligation to the community to do the best job possible.

Requarth said he tried to impress the importance of doing your best on his colleagues during his employment with the district.

“I’ve tried to teach the employees the buildings aren’t here for them to have jobs. We work for the public,” Requarth said

“We support the educational progress of the students that come through our doors. This whole community is paying our wages, so they deserve our very best,” Requarth continued.

“That’s what I’ve always tried to strive to do,” Requarth said.

Williamson said Requarth has played a significant role in helping him prepare for the position.

“Since I moved here two years ago, Jeff has been a lot more than just a friend. He’s been a mentor in a lot of ways,” Williams said.

“He has guided me well. He has been showing me what I can do, but at the end of the day, if I can do just half of what Jeff did, I think I did well,” Williamson continued.

Wood said he believes Williamson is the right person for the job.

“We really had some strong applicants for the position and I want to thank Dave for his thoroughness,” Wood said.

“His continuity with our team means he will fit in really well,” Wood added.

Wood said Williamson came to Brookville from California where he attended high school and college.

“Williamson and his family moved to Ohio where he has served our district as a bus driver and grounds crew member,” Wood said.

“Williamson is certified in auto repair, bus driving and law enforcement,” Wood said.

“He has experience working for Jaguar, Jeep and Chrysler dealers as a technician and later sales,” Wood continued.

Wood also noted Williamson has experience in law enforcement as a correctional officer and sergeant.

“He and his family also own a food truck called Cali-OH Eats,” Wood added.

“We’re excited to have him,” Wood said.

Reach Terry Baver at [email protected].