Gregg Ruppert ruppgr@wapak.org

Gregg is a lifelong resident of the Wapakoneta City School District and a Wapakoneta High School Graduate. He is married to Joni Ruppert and the father of one son, Jordan. He has been on the Board since 2018 and has served on the facilities, finance committee, and the compensation committee. He received his bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University in elementary education and his master's degree from the University of Dayton in child/youth development. He retired from the Wapakoneta City School District after teaching 31 years and coaching basketball and baseball. He has a desire to help facilitate and continue the tradition of excellence in the Wapakoneta City Schools. He has an abundance of enthusiasm and energy for the community and school district and believes in promoting what is right instead of what is popular. Upon retirement from Wapakoneta City Schools, he began working for the City of Wapakoneta as a seasonal worker for the city parks. He is a member of the Wapakoneta VFW Post 8445 and a member of the Wapakoneta American Legion Post 330. He is an avid fan of the University of Notre Dame and the Cincinnati Reds. He enjoys spending time in Florida in the winter.

Brian Cossel, Board President cossbr@wapak.org

Mr. Cossel has served on the board since January 2018.  He is a familiar face around Wapakoneta as he has been employed by the United States Post Office for many years and much of that time was spent as a mail carrier. Brian was driven to serve on the Board in order to help the school district in any way possible.  He has previously worked with the children in our district as a coach, as well.  He and his wife Shawna have one son.  He is motivated to help the district knowing that his young son will be in our school buildings learning for many years to come.  

Ron Mertz mertro@wapak.org

Mr. Mertz has served on the Board since January 1, 2000.  Ron is retired from the Dana Corporation in Lima, Ohio as a Maintenance Software and Parts Specialist.  He is married to his high school sweetheart, Elaine (Jones).  They have three daughters, four grandsons, and two granddaughters.  Mr. Mertz is community minded and feels "you need to get involved.  That's how we can ALL make a difference."  Mr Mertz is also a member of the Apollo Board of Education. Ron is retired from the Cridersville Fire Department with 40 years of service, ten as Chief.  He is a member of Harvest Baptist Church and is a supporter of Redskin Arts and Sports Programs.   

Willie Sammetinger, Vice-President wsammetinger@yahoo.com

Mr. Sammetinger has served on the board for over 20 years.  His main reason for wanting to serve is to be involved in the community and give back to the district he cares about.  Willie is a 1971 graduate of WHS and has lived in Wapakoneta his entire life.  Mr. Sammetinger has been employed as a masonry supervisor for Tuttle Construction for many years.  Willie is also a former member of the Apollo Board of Education and believes that hands on learning and hard work are vital skills for many of our students and their success.  In addition he has served as the Wapakoneta ACME baseball coach for 19 years.  During Willie's time on the Board much has been accomplished and he looks forward to assisting the district and its students in the future.  Willie has been married to Sharon and they have three boys; Craig, Chris, and Nick.

Joshua Little littjo@wapak.org

Mr. Little began serving on the Board of Education in November of 2015 and is starting his 10th year.  He is currently employed as the CEO of the Wapakoneta Family YMCA.  He began serving on the Board in order to serve his community.  His mother started her teaching career in Wapakoneta, and having three children attending Wapakoneta City Schools he wanted to work with the teachers, support staff, administrators, and other Board of Education members to continue to make Wapakoneta City Schools the leader in academics, sports, arts and leader-building.  Josh and his wife, Amy, have three children.  He is a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Wapakoneta Knights of Columbus, Wapakoneta Rotary Club (Past President), Wapakoneta Service Club (Past President), Wapakoneta Breakfast Optimist Club, Ohio Alliance of YMCAs (Past Chair), Former Board Member and President of the Wapakoneta Area Chamber of Commerce, and a Former Board Member of Wapakoneta Loaves and Fishes.