BUTLER TWP — Fred Peterson, a member of Seneca Valley School Board, recently resigned from his role as vice chairperson of the Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School’s Joint Operating Committee.

At the committee meeting Thursday, Sept. 4, executive director Regina Hiler awarded Peterson, who attended as a member of the public, a golden bell for service and dedication.

“We’re very happy that you’re here tonight and we’re going to miss you. We’re thrilled that you came to get your bell. We don’t want you to go,” Hiler told him while handing him a gift bag.

She said Peterson served as an alternate member for the committee from 2014 to 2016 before becoming a full-time member in 2017. He also had served as vice chairperson since 2020.

In lieu of a school board, the vocational-technical school’s operating decisions are made by a joint operating committee comprised of county school board members. They are appointed to serve a three-year term.

In his absence, another member of the Seneca Valley School Board, Nick Brower, took his seat and will finish out his term ending in December 2026.

After being prompted for a speech, Peterson told a story about his son when he was in high school. He advised his son to not go to the vocational-technical school, a decision he said he came to regret.

“I’m just blown away every time I come up here and see what Dr. Hiler and Mr. (Jared) Ryan and the faculty do for these kids,” he said. “The best part of (being on the committee) is listening to the student of the month and hearing all the stories about our kids.”

Filling the role of vice chairperson required an election, but the choice was clear for committee members. Tim Hester, the other representative for Seneca Valley, was the only nominee put forth and was unanimously approved by the committee.

Before leaving the meeting, Peterson wished the board well and reminded them just how important their jobs are to the students and staff.

“The things that are done here at the vo-tech for kids who don’t fit the traditional mold are just unbelievably valuable and I hope you all keep at it and keep making the good, hard decisions,” he said.