Penn Hills school board retains its current president, appoints new vice president

Erin Vecchio and Jackie Blakey-Tate were named Penn Hills school board president and vice president, respectively.

The board unanimously voted at its Nov. 1 reorganization meeting to keep Vecchio in her leadership role for the fifth straight year. She is in her fifth nonconsecutive term on the board.

She was one of two incumbents who ran for reelection last year when five seats were up for grabs. Rob Marra was the other incumbent. The other candidates on the November ballot were via write-ins.

Vecchio thanked her fellow board members for their support.

“I am thankful because somebody must realize we’re doing good things in Penn Hills School District,” she said. “When I got on board we were $18 million in the hole and now were in the black. Everybody knows I work hard for this district. I don’t put up with anybody’s crap. I’m making sure (students) get a good education and that the taxpayers don’t get screwed over.”

Vecchio referred to the district’s negative fund balance, or reserve fund, which was in the red for several years.

The district was able to save money be refinancing bonds. However, it is still at least $140 million in debt largely due to construction loans for the elementary and high school.

Meanwhile, Blakey-Tate was appointed vice president by a 5-3 vote.

Board members Elizabeth Rosemeyer and Meryl Thomas wanted Marra as vice president, and Marra voted for himself.

Blakey-Tate is in her first four-year term. She was elected last year.

“I’m very humbled that the other board members had that kind of confidence in me,” Blakey-Tate said about her new role. “I feel like I’m in a better position now to work for the best education for our students.”

Blakey-Tate said she wants to review curriculum at the elementary, middle and high school in an effort to standardize education and hopefully improve PSSA and Keystone Exam scores.

“Prior to covid, their test scores weren’t that great and we didn’t test last year because of covid,” she said. “This year’s use of the virtual curriculum, I’m not sure (students) get it. We need a more standardized curriculum. We need some more staff development.”

She also wants to see the district hire a more diverse staff to better represent its student population.

“Kids do better when they see themselves (in leadership roles),” Blakey-Tate said. “That needs to change in Penn Hills.

Vecchio said Blakey-Tate will be an excellent vice president.

I love Jackie,” Vecchio said. “She’s worked with me since she’s got on the board. She’s an educated woman and knows what we’re doing. She uses that to make the district a better place.”

Yusef Thompson Sr. served as board vice president this year, but he resigned last month.

The board plans to fill his vacant seat at a special meeting at 6 p.m. on Dec. 15.

Letters of interest will be accepted at the district office through Dec. 9.