It seems the Wildcats have welcomed a Lion into their den.
On Monday, the Oxford Board of Education appointed William Keenist to fill the seat vacated by Sue Tombrella, whose resignation became effective June 13.
‘I was thrilled,? Keenist said. ‘Our family’s experience with the community and certainly with the school district has really been exceptional.?
Having this chance ‘to give back and serve? is viewed by Keenist as an ‘obligation? as much as it is an ‘opportunity and an honor? because of what his family’s received over the years.
An Oxford resident for 23 years, Keenist is the senior vice president of communications for the Detroit Lions. He’s worked for the NFL team since 1985.
Over the years, Keenist has done volunteer work for the district as a member of the Strategic Planning Committee and co-chair of the Facilities Steering Committee.
He’s also a member of the Oxford Athletic Boosters.
As a school board member, Keenist hopes to continue helping the district improve.
‘Obviously, the focus has got to be the kids,? he said. ‘My professional experiences have convinced me that the impact of the educational experience at the K-12 level is as critical as anything that our young people are going to experience, even more so than the college experience.?
‘The world’s changing 24-7 and we have to keep pace with those changes.?
Keenist has put two sons through the district, Bill and Chris, who graduated in 2006 and 2008, respectively. His daughter, Lindsay, is heading into her sophomore year at OHS, while his wife, Cindy, teaches kindergarten at Lakeville Elementary.
Keenist will occupy his appointed seat until Dec. 31, 2009. He has indicated he’s planning to run in the Nov. 3 election. If he wins, he would serve the remainder of Tombrella’s term expiring Dec. 31, 2010.