SV board president steps down
JACKSON TWP — Bob Hill stepped down as the president of the Seneca Valley School Board on Tuesday night and said he will not run for another term when his seat is up in two years.
Hill, who has been on the board for the past 14 years, served as president for the past six years. He said at the meeting that he will not “under any circumstances” seek re-election and that he looks forward to “replacing the gavel with a fishing rod.”
After his decision, the board approved board member Eric DiTullio as president and Jim Nickel as vice president. DiTullio was vice president under Hill.
Superintendent Tracy Vitale said Tuesday night was a “difficult night” for the board because of Hill's decision, but added that she is glad he will still be around for another two years.
Many board members expressed their gratitude and admiration for Hill's service, including Nickel.
“They are shoes that myself and Mr. DiTullio can only hope to fill,” he said.
For his part, Hill said he has the utmost confidence that both DiTullio and Nickel will steer the board in the right direction.
“The two of you make a great pair,” Hill said. “There's nowhere to go but up.”
Before the meeting, the board welcomed two new members who took their seats after winning races in November.Fred Peterson replaced outgoing member Jason Wehrle, who chose not to run for re-election.He will represent a portion of Cranberry Township.In addition, the board seated Timothy Hester, who replaced outgoing member Eric Gordon. Hester also will represent a portion of Cranberry.However, an open seat still remains on the board after two prospective candidates withdrew their names from consideration. The seat became vacant last month after Kelly Kopera resigned because of health issues.Anyone interested in filling the open seat is urged to contact the administration at the school. Any prospective candidate must be from either Seven Fields or Evans City, which is the region formerly represented by Kopera.
