Yough School Board numbers dwindling

A longtime Yough School Board member resigned this week, at a time when only two people are running for four available seats during the May primary.

The resignation of Eugene Cirinelli was unanimously accepted after an 80-minute executive session Monday night.

Cirinelli, a member of the board since 1993, did not attend the meeting. He was elected to another four-year term in 1999.

'He always spoke from the heart ... and had the district's best interests at heart,' said board member Larry Swiech. 'His input to our discussions will be missed.'

Board President John Shaffer said Cirinelli did not give a reason for his resignation. Shaffer said the board has 30 days to appoint a replacement.

Cirinelli could not be reached for comment.

Four board seats are open this election year, but incumbents Shaffer and Linda Knor are the only candidates running. Swiech and Gary Hoyle did not file petitions to seek re-election.

Shaffer, who said this is not the first time the board has lacked candidates, said it is possible someone may plan a write-in campaign.

In other business, the board gave final approval to a motion that allows open scrutiny of policy changes. The 'policy review' policy passed 6-1, with David Simpson casting the negative vote.

The new review system was suggested in January by Superintendent Paul Rach, who asked that policy changes be discussed in open session. He said 43 revisions were formulated by the policy committee during the past four years and then presented to the board for a vote. He recommended the board review such changes publicly before a vote is taken the following month.

However, no policy discussion was held this week because of the extensive agenda and lengthy executive session. Shaffer said policies will be discussed when the meeting is reconvened at 6 p.m. April 10.

'We want everybody to look at the policies,' Shaffer said after the meeting. 'We'll have a short 20-minute session to talk about policy.'

The board did discuss renovations to the track, which have been on hold pending contract negotiations with the construction company.

When questioned whether renovations would interfere with the track season, school officials said the track is in poor shape and too 'hazardous' for meets. Talks are under way to hold the four home track meets at other schools.

It was announced the district will hold a free immunization clinic May 1 and 2 in all Yough schools for students who have not received a second measles, mumps and rubella immunization. New state regulations require all students to receive the booster shot by May 1.

Rach estimated there are at least 200 students who have not received the booster shot and another 200 who have not filed the proper documentation.

In other business, the board hired Capt. George McInchok as a second instructor in the Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps program.

During the citizens' portion of the meeting, four people spoke in support of high school basketball coach Tom Paterline. A woman who attempted to complain about the coach was stopped by board Solicitor Terrance Faye.

'We can allow positive statements but we cannot allow negative,' Faye said.