The Minerva Local Board of Education voted unanimously during a special meeting on October 3 to appoint Donald Spinell to fill a vacant seat left by the late Bob Foltz.
“When appointing our next board member, it was important for us to find someone we felt would fill the enormous hole left by the passing of Mr. Foltz,” said MLSD Board President Rob Yeagley. “Don’s commitment to supporting student-athletes, coaches, families, and the community will make him a great asset to our team.”
Spinell, a long-time educator and former athletic director at Minerva Local Schools, expressed his enthusiasm for the new role.
“I’m excited to take on this new role. I’ve been looking forward to the chance to contribute to our school board since retiring. Bob Foltz set an incredible standard, and I hope to continue his important work,” Spinell said.
Spinell retired in 2018 after a 34-year career in education, which included 17 years as Minerva’s athletic director. During his time in that role, he led the renovation of Dr. Robert Hines Stadium, the construction of an auxiliary gym, and updates to the school’s weight room. His prior experience includes administrative positions with the R.G. Drage Career Center and the Indian Valley Local School District. Spinell began his career as a health and physical education teacher.
Spinell’s dedication to supporting athletics and his community remains strong. He currently serves as the commissioner of the Inter Valley Conference (IVC) and as a board member for the Eastern District of the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA). He is also a member of the Minerva Athletic Hall of Fame Committee, the Minerva Rotary Club, and is a long-time volunteer with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement.
Spinell and his wife, Denise, have two children, Athena Butcher and Andre Spinell, and four grandchildren. Two of his grandchildren currently attend Minerva Elementary School.
The board position was left vacant following the passing of Bob Foltz, who had been a long-serving and respected member of the Minerva school community.
