Fairbanks Local School District

Derek Nicol has proudly served on the Fairbanks Local School District Board of Education for eight years. He farms full time and operates two micro businesses alongside his family farm.

The Nicol family farm consists of approximately 1,800 acres and includes Nicol Drainage LLC and Beck’s Seed Cleaning, in addition to raising 300 head of cattle. Agriculture has shaped Derek’s strong work ethic, sense of responsibility, and commitment to stewardship—values he brings to his role on the school board.

A lifelong resident of the Fairbanks School District, Derek and his wife, Brigit, raised their family in the district. Their three children are Fairbanks graduates: Maggie (Class of 2021), Liz (Class of 2023), and Jack (Class of 2025).

Derek chose to serve on the school board because he believes deeply in strong public education and giving back to the community that has meant so much to his family. His board priorities include supporting student achievement, responsible financial stewardship, safe learning environments, and preparing students for success after graduation.

Outside of farming and board service, Derek enjoys spending time with his family, visiting his children at Ohio State, Baldwin Wallace, and Michigan State, and staying actively involved in the Fairbanks community.

Brian and his wife Summer are both lifelong residents of Fairbanks School District. They have 4 children that have/will graduate from Fairbanks. Brian received his bachelor’s in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management from Morehead State University. After graduation, he came back to pursue a career in the family business, which includes helping to manage their logistics company & farm operation. Brian is committed to making sure all Fairbanks students are prepared for success.

Lisa Adkins has proudly served as a board member for the Fairbanks Local School District since 2011, bringing 14 years of steady leadership and a deep personal connection to the community. A resident of the district for 29 years, Lisa and her family have strong roots in Fairbanks, with all four of her children having attended Fairbanks schools.

Lisa holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Mary Washington and currently works as a Technical Service Chemist at ALTA Performance Materials in Dublin. Her professional background has strengthened her analytical approach to decision-making and reinforced her commitment to fiscal responsibility, one of her key priorities as a board member.

Motivated by a desire to support student success, encourage parental involvement, and uphold conservative values, Lisa is dedicated to maintaining a strong educational environment that serves both students and the community well. Outside of her board service and career, she enjoys home improvement projects, gardening, pickleball, and spending time with her family. She is also actively involved in leading Life Groups and Bible studies, reflecting her commitment to faith, service, and community connection.

Kelly Burns was elected to the Fairbanks Local School District Board of Education to serve from 2026–2030 and brings both a deep professional background and a heartfelt personal connection to the district. Kelly’s husband has been a lifelong Fairbanks resident, and Kelly herself has been part of the community since 2013. Together they live on their family farm where they are raising their three children - two of whom currently attend Fairbanks Elementary, with their youngest preparing for kindergarten next year. This firsthand experience as a district parent provides Kelly with a meaningful, informed perspective on the needs and priorities of the district’s schools.

Kelly serves as Executive Director of the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation, where she provides strategic leadership and supports programs focused on youth development. With more than 20 years of experience in fundraising and nonprofit leadership, her career has been dedicated to building strong relationships, supporting effective leadership, and creating opportunities that help young people succeed. Kelly is passionate about education, values multiple pathways to success after graduation, and believes in preparing students with the skills, confidence, and experiences they need for life beyond the classroom. She is honored to serve the Fairbanks community and looks forward to supporting the district’s continued growth while ensuring every student is prepared for a bright future.

A lifelong resident of the Fairbanks Local School District, Mark Lippencott has proudly served on the Board of Education for nearly two decades. He was first appointed to the board in 2007, filling the remainder of a previous member’s term, and has since been elected four times—most recently completing his 18th year of service.

A 1970 graduate of Fairbanks High School, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from The Ohio State University in 1974. He later retired from Honda of America Manufacturing after a successful career. His deep roots in the district have shaped both his personal and professional commitment to Fairbanks schools.

Mark and his wife, Sue, have two adult children, Mitch and Courtney, both graduates of Fairbanks High School, and are the proud grandparents of three grandchildren. Their grandchildren keep them busy and smiling, with activities ranging from sports and community theatre to art—“a lot of fun and a great way to stay young… worn out, but young,” as he likes to say.

His passion for board service is grounded in gratitude and community pride. “This community has provided me with a lot of great opportunities,” Mark shares. “I want to give back and be sure the kids in our area have those same opportunities and more. The school is the anchor of this community. I want it to be strong and provide for our future.”

Student achievement is Mark’s primary focus. He currently serves as the Board’s Student Achievement Liaison, is a member of the District Leadership Team, and recently completed a two-year term on the Ohio School Boards Association’s SALT Committee (Student Achievement Leadership Team). He has also remained actively involved in athletics over the years and continues to volunteer his time with district groundskeeping.

His long-standing service reflects a genuine dedication to students, families, and the strength of the Fairbanks community—both now and for generations to come.