‘It’s a new day at BVA’

By EMILY BENNETT DILULLO
ebennett@yourmvi.com
Belle Vernon Area School Board welcomed its two newest directors and four re-elected directors during last night’s reorganization meeting.
Robert Harhai and Justin Kosanko are the newest members on the board after winning their election bids last month. Daniel Engstrom, Daniel Kovatch, Stacey Livengood and Joel Whiteko were re-elected. Magisterial District Judge Charles M. Christner was present to perform the swearing in ceremony of the six. Harhai and Kosanko had family present to witness the induction.
“This is a big-time obligation,” Christner said before beginning the swearing in. “An obligation to both the taxpayers and the students.”
Following installment of the new members and the re-elected directors, board President Joe Grata said a few words encompassing the recent work and future efforts of the board.
“To paraphrase: In with the new, out with the old. Except for me,” he said, congratulating the newcomers. “…Tonight, you become part of a hard-working, decision-making team responsible not only for the education of our young people but also for actions that will impact the future of BVA school district and its five component municipalities.”
Grata made a note of acknowledging three additional board members –– Engstrom, Kovatch and Livengood –– who have been on board for less than a year, but had “proven themselves worthy of appointment” to the vacant board spots earlier this year. He also congratulated Whiteko, an incumbent, on his win.
In his statement, Grata noted that major challenges await the board. He said resolving labor contracts with the union, maintenance and updating facilities, dealing with “fragile” operating budgets and working toward gaining improvement in academics, the arts, activities and athletics and obtaining public support are all on the to-do list.
Grata said the board has already been instrumental in applying “major changes,” which he said were all for the better for the district. He said they’ve exemplified this by resetting administration, finances and operations.
“I believe I speak for many, and that I can say this with confidence: It’s a new day at BVA,” Grata said.

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