Stephen Beadnell
President
Roland Bryer
Vice President
Larry Merriman
Board Member
Richard Rainone
Board Member
William Reiner
Secretary
Mike Parkes
Board Member
Margaret ‘Peg’ Leone
Board Member
William A. Devon
Superintendent
History
County Boards of Developmental Disabilities are legal entities with legislative power to institute programs for persons with mental retardation or developmental disabilities residing in their county. They establish polices, rules and regulations to operate programs in compliance with government standards.
Organization
Prior to 1967, individuals with mental retardation in Ohio were served through county welfare departments. In the summer of 1967, the legislature passed a law establishing a Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities in every county in Ohio. These Boards assumed responsibility for providing schools, workshops, training centers and other services for children and adults with mental retardation. In July of 2009, the Governor of Ohio signed legislation removing the words mental retardation from all state operated facilities. The Columbiana County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities formally changed their name to The Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disabilities in 2009.
Board Meetings
Board Meetings are held at our Administration Office on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 4 PM and are open to the public.
State Regulations
The Board is responsible to the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, or ODDD. As designated by law, the Board is subject to the department’s rules and regulations. The Board must also adhere to the policies of such agencies as the Ohio Department of Education, the Ohio Department of Administrative Services and the State Highway Patrol. The County Auditor serves as its fiscal agent. Individual Board members are responsible to serve without pay in the best interest of the general public.
How the Board Members are Determined
Five members of the Board are appointed by the Columbiana County Commissioners and two members are selected by the Judge of Probate Court. At least two of the members appointed by the county commissioners must be parents of an individual with mental retardation or developmental disabilities receiving Board services. Of the two members appointed by the probate judge, at least one must be a member of the family of an individual eligible for services. All board members serve without pay.
How Long Board Members Can Serve
A Board member who has served during each of three consecutive terms will not be reappointed for a subsequent term until two years after ceasing to be a member of the board, except that a member who has served for ten years or less within three consecutive terms may be reappointed for a subsequent term before becoming ineligible for reappointment for two years.
Board President Selection
In January of each year, the Board reorganizes and elects a President, a Vice President, and a Recording Secretary. It also establishes rules and regulations for its operation and forms committees, which are designed to advise the membership on various aspects of an annual budget. The Board makes long-range plans for facilities, services and enrollments.