Riverview School Board has vacancy following resignation
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Riverview School Board vice president Tara Jean Schaaf has resigned.
Her departure was effective Aug. 1.
The Verona parent cited a new job as her reason for leaving the board.
“I loved my time on the board and was sad to have to resign, but I had to make decisions that ultimately benefit my family, especially with my daughter going to college,” she said via social media message Aug. 8. “I appreciated all the support and faith the Riverview community had in me by allowing me to represent them, but I had to take the opportunity when it arose.”
Schaaf was appointed to the board in 2018 and was among the winners in the 2019 election.
Her term expires at the end of next year. The person who is appointed would have to run in the 2023 election to keep the seat.
Schaaf said she will be a certified registered nurse anesthetist doing contract work at various hospitals.
She explained her new job will require her to travel out of the area frequently, and would not allow her to dedicate much time to district business.
“I won’t be starting until October, but I wanted to give the board ample time to get a new member up and running, and the beginning of the school year seemed best,” she said. “I loved my time on the board and it was not an easy decision for me, but it’s what my family needs at this time. I will continue to support the board and the district as I am able to over the next few years, but I can’t do it as a board member with my time being split.”
Superintendent Neil English was among the district officials to thank Schaaf for her service.
“It’s a big loss for us,” English said. “She’s been in the district a long time and had a number of different volunteer roles. She’s been a great board member and a great volunteer for the district before she was on the board. She’s dedicated a lot of time and energy helping us out. I wish her the best of luck in whatever she’s going to do.”
Deadline for Oakmont and Verona residents to submit letters of interest and resumes for the vacancy is noon Aug. 18.
The board plans to interview candidates and may appoint its new member at the Aug. 22 meeting.
More information is available at the district’s website, rsd.k12.pa.us.