Resignation by Hrach leaves open seat on BVA board

A replacement is being sought to fill the rest of his term, which expires in 2027.

A seat at the Belle Vernon Area school board table is up for grabs after board member William Hrach resigned, citing a move that will shorten his daily commute and better fit his family’s future.

The district announced Monday that it is seeking a qualified resident to fill the vacancy through the remainder of the unexpired term, which ends Dec. 6, 2027.

According to a notice issued on behalf of the Belle Vernon Area School District Board of School Directors, the board received Hrach’s unexpected resignation and will appoint a qualified resident to complete the remainder of the term.

The district said applicants must be at least 18 years old, have been residents of the Belle Vernon Area School District for at least one year before appointment, be of good moral character and meet all eligibility requirements established under state law and Board Policy 004.

The appointed director will be responsible for helping establish district policy, approving the annual budget, overseeing the district’s financial stewardship, evaluating the superintendent and supporting approximately 2,500 students.

Board members are also expected to attend regular board and committee meetings and complete required training.

Interested residents are asked to submit a letter of interest outlining their qualifications, background, community involvement and reasons for seeking the appointment.

Letters should be emailed to Board Secretary Mallory Marish by 4 p.m. Aug. 5. Public interviews are scheduled following the board’s Aug. 11 work session, with the appointment expected to be made Aug. 18.

Hrach said the decision to step down was driven by his family’s upcoming move and a significantly shorter commute to his new job.

“I work in Shadyside, Pittsburgh, and my commute will be less than half,” he said. “I’m driving an hour to an hour and 10 minutes each way. This will make it so much more convenient for me and for my work.”

Hrach, who was born and raised in Belle Vernon, said leaving the community is not an easy decision.

“I love Belle Vernon. I was born and raised there. It is all I know. But the commute was the primary reason,” he said.

He said the move also benefits his wife and son, who will attend school in a district closer to the family’s new home.

“My son has his closest friends in a district closer to where I work,” he said. “So for my son it checks all the boxes for him. He’s going to be happy, he’ll be with all his friends. My wife gets her dream home, and I get to drive 20 minutes to work now.”

Although he is relocating, Hrach said he expects to remain connected to the Belle Vernon community.

“I still have a bunch of family there,” he said. “I’ll still be in Belle Vernon from time to time and I will miss so many in that community.”