Plum School Board names new officers

Plum School Board has three new members and new officers.

Newly elected to the nine-member board this year are Lindsay Arenth, Renee Richardson and Mark Stropkaj. Members Michael Caliguiri and Michelle Stepnick won reelection to their seats.

Former Plum District Judge Linda Zucco swore in all five during the board’s reorganization meeting Dec. 5.

The new and returning members were needed to overcome repeated 2-2 tie votes to name a temporary president for the reorganization meeting. Angela Anderson and Devin Adams voted for Anderson for the position of “president pro tempore,” while Ronald Sakolsky and Megan Chuderewicz voted for Sakolsky.

The only job of the temporary president was to head the meeting through the seating of the newly elected members. Anderson was chosen by a vote of 7-2 over Sakolsky, with he and Chuderewicz opposing.

Anderson, nominated by Caliguiri, ultimately was elected the new president of the school board. She replaces Michael Devine, who lost his bid for reelection in the May primary.

Nominated by Stepnick, Adams was named vice president of the board, replacing Caliguiri in that position.

The only nominees made for president and vice president, they were approved separately on votes of 7-2. Chuderewicz and Sakolsky voted against each.

“If my six year tenure on this board has taught me nothing else, it is that there is always work to be done, always improvements to be made and always excellence to be sought after,” Anderson said. “It is my hope and prayer that we can serve the students of Plum Borough with great humility as we work together as a board. Our leadership is one of wisdom, guidance and service to others, not to self.”

In addition to Devine, Adam Hill lost his bid for reelection in the primary, while Amy Wetmore lost in the November general election.

The board is scheduled to hold a combination discussion and voting meeting beginning at 7 p.m. Dec. 19 at the high school library. A facilities study of the district’s middle school and O’Block Elementary School, along with the district’s 2024-25 budget, are expected to be discussed.