School board’s ‘elder statesman’ hopes to return soon

Fred Sloan rehabilitating from medical issues; hasn’t been to a meeting in three months

LONACONING — The “elder statesman” of the Allegany County Board of Education hopes to return to meetings soon, after spending much of the summer at Johns Hopkins University Hospital.

Fred Sloan, 64, was transferred to Egle Nursing and Rehab Center in Lonaconing last week to undergo rehabilitation from a number of medical problems.

The multiterm board member and retired Allegany County educator hasn’t attended a school board meeting since June.

“It’s my intent, once I get through rehab and get my legs stabilized underneath me, that I would resume full duties with my position with the board,” said Sloan, who didn’t want to disclose details of his illness.

Friends and colleagues have been keeping Sloan apprised of board business, said Jeff Metz, a fellow board member who is also administrator of Egle Nursing Center.

During Sloan’s three-month absence, the school system’s new superintendent, David Cox, started his job, and fellow board member Jane Dawson passed away. Last month, Gov. Martin O’Malley appointed 30-year-old attorney and educator Mike Llewellyn to replace her.

“The board is very supportive of Dr. Sloan in his recovery,” said Metz, who, like Sloan, grew up in Allegany County. “He has our 100 percent backing as he looks to get well again. We are perfectly patient in awaiting his return.”

Sloan started teaching elementary school in Allegany County almost 40 years ago, when the school system had about 18,500 students. When he retired after 33 years as a teacher and administrator, half as many students —  about 9,000 — were enrolled. He was re-elected to the school board in 2008 and is in the midst of serving that four-year term.

“We certainly miss having Fred at the board meetings,” said board president Karen Treber. “He is our elder statesman. He brings a lot of years of experience in education in Allegany County. We really value his input.”

Board meetings aren’t the only place Sloan has been missed. He’s a grandfather, and he’s one of a team of four congregational ministers at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Lonaconing. The church, struggling with declining membership and finances, has sent several members to seminary to fill in for a full-time minister.

“Obviously, we miss him terribly,” said Mary Bourdeau, who was ordained with Sloan last spring after several years of schooling and internships. Several priests from other churches in the area are helping in Sloan’s absence, she said, adding that another member of the church’s ministerial team is also ill and not able to preach.

“We’re praying for (Fred’s) recovery,” Bourdeau said.

Reached by telephone Wednesday afternoon at the nursing home, Sloan sounded tired, but upbeat and grateful for thoughts and prayers from well-wishers.

“Oh, I’ve had lots of visitors, lots and lots of cards,” Sloan said. “I’ve received so many cards, so many calls, so many visits. It would be hard for me to repay.”