Grager Looking Forward to Time on School Board

Following Joe Detwiler’s resignation from the Williamsburg School Board, Jimmy Grager has taken the seat.

“I see how much just this high school diploma did for me, and I’m hoping that it’ll give students a solid foundation to build upon as they grow,” Grager said.

Both Grager and his wife Julie graduated from Williamsburg. Following graduation, Grager left to start his Air Force career in the Fall of 1998. After retiring in 2018 with 20 years in the military, Grager and wife moved back to the district.

“The sense of community, the friendships and bonds we have here is second to none and that’s how we wanted our children to grow up – around family, and to make those lifelong friends we have,” Grager said.

Grager has two children, son Ty and daughter Brielle.

“I couldn’t think of a better place to watch our children grow,” he said.

In the Air Force, Grager was an airplane mechanic on the C-5 and served as former Vice President Joe Biden’s aircraft mechanic.

During those 20 years, Grager also recruited more than 100 applicants out of the Williamsport/Bloomsburg area. Grager also served as a maintenance operations center non-commissioned officer-in-charge, security and facility manager, facility manager for the wing on Andrews Air Force Base.

“During those experiences, I worked with each group ensuring all their buildings were safe, secure, up-to-date with the most current codes and standards as well as made certain we were fiscally sound to ensure there were no delays or hiccups, and that the job was completed on time,” Grager said. “Working with financial managers helped give me insight on what we could accomplish.”

Since moving back to the area, coaching has played a huge part of Grager’s life.

“I want to bring back some of the spirit I had growing up – not only teaching players, but making it fun at the same time,” Grager said.

With his children getting older in the district and a position opening on the school board, Grager thought he should be involved.

“I thought I’d get involved in one of the most important building blocks of their future, and that is their education,” he said.

Grager comes to the school board with goals.

“I’m still somewhat young and can make those difficult decisions but also problem solve and utilize those core values of the Air Force (Integrity First, Service before Self, and Excellence in All We Do) and see what kind of assistance I can be to help ensure that this school not only stays open but possibly help make it better.”

Grager thanked his family for being there for him in the difficult times. He thanked every teacher he’s had who pushed him, even when he wanted to give up. Grager also thanked the community of Williamsburg.

“I want to thank the community here for not only allowing me to be able to coach my kids but theirs as well. It’s been a blessing, and we are looking forward to our future here.”