TALLMADGE, OHIO – (January 18, 2023) – The Tallmadge City School District Board of Education is proud to announce their newest member, Retired Fire Chief Michael Passarelli. Passarelli was sworn-in at the January 18, 2023, BOE meeting. He is replacing Jennifer Justice-Carter, who resigned on January 4, 2023, after an 11-year tenure on the Board.

 “We are thrilled to welcome Chief Passarelli to the Board of Education,” Tallmadge Board President Christine Cipa said. “He is a treasure in this city, fully dedicated to our residents in his 47 year career with the Tallmadge Fire Department and now in his new capacity on the school board. Chief Passarelli was selected from a group of 6 very strong applicants for the appointment.”

 Passarelli served as the Fire Chief of the Tallmadge Fire Department from 2015 - 2022, leading the fire brigade and EMS squads for the city of approximately 18,000 people. Handling nearly 3,500 emergency calls per year, he is no stranger to quick thinking and critical decision making.

 “I’m honored to answer the call to be on the Tallmadge City Schools Board of Education,” Passarelli said. “I’m ready to put my skills to work.” Recently honored by the Tallmadge Chamber of Commerce in 2022 with a Humanitarian Award, and named Citizen of the Year by the City of Tallmadge in 2007, Passarelli is a dedicated civil servant whose passion for helping others shines through.

A Tallmadge resident for more than 58 years, Passarelli and his wife raised four children and now cherish their role as grandparents, including two grandchildren who will soon start their school career in TCS and two who will or have recently graduated from THS. His wife Patti retired from Tallmadge City Schools where she served as an Instructional Aide for 10 years.

“I very much enjoyed my time as Battalion chief, because I really was able to help people. My role on the school board will be helping people again, but with a different audience: students!” Passarelli said.