BVA vacancy may be filled soon

By CHRISTINE HAINES

chaines@yourmvi.com

The Belle Vernon Area School board could be back to full strength Monday.

Last month, then-board president Dan Engstrom resigned because he was moving out of the district, making him ineligible to serve as a board member. The board’s new solicitor, hired at that same meeting, offered advice Wednesday regarding how and when the vacancy could be filled.

“The process for filling a vacancy and how long that person serves is governed by the school code,” Solicitor Russ Lucas said.

Lucas said the board has 30 days from the date of Engstrom’s resignation to fill the vacancy. After that time, the vacancy may either be filled by the board or by citizens petitioning Westmoreland County Common Pleas Court. 

Although the district is located in both Fayette and Westmoreland counties, Westmoreland has jurisdiction over the final election count and other matters in the district, Lucas said.

“The 30 days ends Aug. 25,” Lucas said.

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