Several school districts across Pennsylvania have recently announced significant board member changes, new appointments, and key policy discussions. The Crestwood School District is now seeking a new board member following a resignation, while the Pittston Area board is addressing safety and financial matters. These updates reflect ongoing administrative shifts and community engagement in local education.
Key Takeaways
- The Crestwood School District is accepting applications for a vacant board seat after the resignation of John Peter Webby II.
- Pittston Area School District is reviewing its security protocols, including the use of metal detectors, and considering tax relief for senior citizens.
- Lake-Lehman School District approved numerous coaching appointments and entered into new agreements for student services.
- Multiple districts have scheduled their upcoming board meetings for late September and October, where key decisions on personnel, programs, and finances will be made.
Crestwood Board Seeks New Member After Resignation
The Crestwood School District board unanimously accepted the immediate resignation of board member John Peter Webby II during its meeting on September 18. Webby, who was the top vote-getter in the 2023 election, chaired the Buildings and Grounds committee and served on the Financial Planning and Human Resources committee.
Board President John Macri acknowledged Webby's contributions to the district.
"He was certainly a valued part of this board. We appreciate all the time and work that he put in."
The district has officially announced the vacancy and is accepting letters of interest until 4 p.m. on Monday, September 29. Interested candidates can submit their letters via email or mail to the district office. This change comes ahead of a significant overhaul for the board, as current members Macri and Richard Nardone will not be on the ballot in the November general election.
Pittston Area Discusses Security and Tax Relief
During its September 16 meeting, the Pittston Area school board addressed several critical topics, including campus security and potential financial relief for residents. The board approved the hiring of two new educational assistants, Ashley Waters for the middle school and Alexandra Wesolowski for the primary center.
Security Measures Questioned
Board member Katherine Healey raised concerns about the district's security infrastructure. She questioned why metal detectors were not being used at football games and stated that detectors at the Pittston Area Intermediate Center were not plugged in. Board President Frank Serino described the information as concerning, especially given the district's recent investment in the equipment.
District Finances and Community Impact
Citing a district surplus, Healey also proposed exploring tax relief options for residents aged 65 and older. While Superintendent Kevin Booth noted potential legal issues related to age-based discrimination, District Solicitor Samuel Falcone agreed to research the matter further. The discussion highlights the board's focus on balancing fiscal responsibility with community support.
In other actions, the board hired Neil Murphy as a school police officer and appointed Lauren Parente to the role of parent educator. The next meeting is scheduled for October 21.
Lake-Lehman Approves Appointments and Partnerships
The Lake-Lehman School Board made numerous decisions during its September 15 meeting, focusing on staffing for the 2025-2026 school year and establishing new partnerships to support students.
Coaching Staff and Advisors Finalized
The board approved a comprehensive list of assistant coaches and extracurricular advisors, along with their annual stipends. Appointments included positions in swimming, basketball, and wrestling. The approved list is as follows:
- Tracey McGurk: Varsity Swimming ($1,779.99)
- Joseph Lech: JH Boys Basketball ($3,336.94)
- Joseph Yankoski: JH Boys Basketball ($3,336.94)
- Jarde Carlo: Varsity Boys Basketball ($4,982)
- Brady Butler: Varsity Wrestling ($4,982)
- Allen Scott: Varsity Wrestling ($4,982)
- Jennifer Purdy: Varsity Girls Basketball ($4,982)
- Kyle Purdy: Varsity Girls Basketball ($4,982)
- Janine Kasarda: JH Girls Basketball ($3,336.94)
Several volunteer coaching positions were also approved for swimming, wrestling, and girls' basketball.
New Agreements for Student Support
The board formalized two key agreements. The first, with County Children and Youth, establishes transportation procedures for children in foster care, ensuring compliance with the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The second is a three-year agreement with the University of Scranton for educational field placements, which will automatically renew for an additional three-year term.
PSBA Leadership Appointments
The board also approved representatives for the 2026 Pennsylvania School Boards Association. Holly Arnold of the Tunkhannock Area School District will serve a one-year term as president, and Matt Vannoy of the Sharon City School District was appointed vice president.
The board accepted the resignation of elementary secretary Morgan Fielding and scheduled its next meeting for October 20.
Updates from Other Area School Districts
Several other school districts in the region have also been active, with initiatives and meetings planned for the coming weeks.
Hazleton Area Focuses on Literacy
The Hazleton Area School District recently hosted a hands-on Build-A-Bear Workshop as part of its Title I Parent and Family Engagement Program. The event was designed to encourage reading at home, with elementary students creating their own stuffed animals and receiving a new book to read to their new companion. Parents were also provided with strategies to support their children's literacy development. The next HASD board meeting is on September 25.
Wyoming Area Prepares for Key Votes
At its September 16 work session, the Wyoming Area School Board discussed several items slated for a vote at its September 23 regular meeting. These include the approval of a dual enrollment program with Lackawanna College, various coaching appointments for the winter sports season, and the rescission of a previous coaching appointment. The board will also vote on school-wide Title I plans and several parent association fundraiser requests.
Upcoming School Board Meetings
Residents in several other districts should take note of upcoming public meetings:
- Northwest Area: October 1 at 7 p.m.
- Wyoming Valley West: October 8 at 7 p.m.
- Dallas: October 13 at 7 p.m.
- Hanover Area: October 14 at 7 p.m.
- Wilkes-Barre Area: A committee meeting is set for September 22 at 5 p.m., followed by a regular meeting at 6:30 p.m.
These meetings provide opportunities for community members to stay informed about the decisions affecting their local schools.
