Charleroi honors school board

By TAYLOR BROWN

tbrown@yourmvi.com

Charleroi Area School Board members are being praised by administrators and students for toughing out an unprecedented year and coming out on top.

Each year, the Pennsylvania School Boards Association recognizes January as School Director Recognition Month.

During a traditional year, many teachers will have students work on projects during class time to show appreciation for those who make decisions with their best interests in mind. 

This year, with school norms being jumbled because of the pandemic, Charleroi Area Superintendent Dr. Ed Zelich wanted to make sure his nine board members know that the tough decisions they have made this year have paid off. 

“Quality public education is a key that can open doors of opportunity for many students,” Zelich said. “Providing a quality education takes a team of committed people from educators and staff to parents and administrators. The nine members of our Charleroi Area School Board are an important part of this team, making informed decisions that direct the course of our public schools.”

During a recent board meeting, Zelich virtually displayed portraits of the school board members drawn by middle school students and recognized them for their efforts. 

Zelich said school board directors Ken Wiltz, Joe Caruso, Adele Hopkins, Heather Keranko, Thomas Nutting, Elaine Pappasergi, Antonia Pellegrini, Barbara Pepper and Charles Yakich spend at least 20 hours every month serving, including time spent adopting policies, passing budgets and curriculum changes, choosing text books and other software and making hiring decisions.

This year, directors were faced with decisions regarding education in the midst of a pandemic. 

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