Another board member resigns from Leechburg Area School District

Leechburg Area School District has a second opening for a school board member.

Karen Freilino resigned on Sept. 20, according to board president Anthony Shea.

Freilino’s resignation comes on the heels of former board member Matthew Jagodrinski’s resignation in July.

The vacancies remain unfilled.

Board president Anthony Shea said Sunday the reason for Freilino’s resignation is “private.”

“I want to thank her for being a pillar of the community and for her service to the board,” Shea said.

Freilino did not respond to a request for comment.

Shea is hopeful Leechburg, West Leechburg or Gilpin residents will step up to fill the two seats on the board.

“I’d like to remind folks that the school board elections are on Nov. 7,” Shea said.

The openings on the board could potentially result in a deadlock in voting, Shea said.

“If an item comes up regarding a board majority (high value contracts, hiring, etc) the board could potentially deadlock if five votes are not received. The board consists of nine members, meaning at least five would have to attend any meeting or cast votes to make them official.

Three applicants, Anthony Townsend, Lisa Helper and Melanie Knight, all applied for consideration but failed to be appointed because the board was deadlocked and could not reach five votes, Shea said.

“We’ve tried three times. It’s making it difficult. We’ll get these vacancies filled but likely it will happen in the Nov. elections,” Shea said.

Board members are unpaid and serve four-year terms.

School board member Andrew Pallus said Sunday Freilino’s dedication to public service will be missed.

“I’d like to thank Karen for her service on the school board and around the community. Even though we had some different perspectives on some topics, we always came together in the end and kept the students in the best interest,” Pallus said.

Pallus encouraged younger residents to consider serving on the board.

“The younger residents have a different connection to the students because their age gap is closer,” Pallus said. “I believe the younger residents should help to be a driving force for our community as decisions made now will impact us, the younger residents, the longest.”

Pallus added applicants applying for a board vacancy would have a chance to experience what it’s like to serve on a board.

“Karen’s term ends the first Monday in December, 2023, so you’d only be finishing out that term. Applying will give you a small taste of what it’s like to be on the board without committing to a four-year term,” Pallus said.

Interested candidates are asked to submit a letter of interest and resume to Teresa Edinger, board secretary, at tedinger@leechburg.k12.pa or via mail at 210 Penn Ave., Leechburg, PA 15656.