Indian River District Honors Board Members for Their Commitment

DAGSBORO — The Indian River School District on Monday honored three former school board members for their dedication.

James Fritz, Madeline Moses and Dr. Heather Statler received plaques and commendations from school principal Dr. Jay Owens.

Earlier this year, Mr. Fritz and Ms. Moses left their District 1 school board seats because they moved out of the area. Their positions were taken over by Kelly Kline and Lisa Hudson Briggs in late February.

Dr. Statler did not seek re-election on the May ballot. Her District 3 seat was claimed by former Indian River teacher, principal and superintendent Mark Steele, who ran unopposed.

Mr. Fritz served two terms on the Board from 2012-2024. He also served as Chairman of the Buildings & Grounds Committee for many years.

“He facilitated many of our discussions regarding our district finances and was instrumental in providing structure to our processes regarding our student activity funds,” Dr. Owens said, adding that Mr. Fritz “was a very outspoken board member and an advocate for our district. I worked closely with him during his time here and valued his guidance, support and leadership.”

Mrs. Moses was on the board from 2021 to 2024.

“She is a passionate advocate for our students and has been a tremendous supporter of the district. We greatly appreciate her dedication to IRSD and thank you for all the great conversations we have had regarding the district to help us grow,” the superintendent said.

Finally, it was Dr. Statler, who served on the board from 2015 to 2024, who initiated and chaired the Special Education Task Force, “which we continue to honor to this day,” said Dr. Owens.

She also developed the district’s Special Education Ambassador recognition program and served for a time as chair of the curriculum committee.

“She is a great advocate for top-notch educational services for students,” Dr. Owens added. “I appreciate all of our conversations and your support and guidance over many years.”

Ms. Kline and Ms. Hudson Briggs will serve their current four-year terms, which expire on June 30, 2025.

Dr. Donald Hattier, who also did not run for a new board membership after 22 years, was unable to attend Monday’s meeting and will therefore be honored at a later date.

The District 4 seat held by Dr. Hattier was claimed by Anita West-Werner, who defeated Joshua Hudson in the May election.

Board members Derek Cathell and Kimberly Taylor had no opposing candidates for the two seats in District 5 this year.