Vecchio again voted Penn Hills School Board president

Although she recently threw her hat in the ring for the Allegheny County Democratic Committee’s nomination for the late State Rep. Tony Deluca’s seat, Erin Vecchio was unanimously re-elected as Penn Hills School Board president for the seventh straight year.

“I’m thankful for the board to believe in me still. For seven years now I’ve been president, and I think that’s the longest-serving president ever in the Penn Hills School District, and I’m just proud to do it,” she said following her reelection. “We get things done, and I’m here for this community. People will tell you, I call everyone back, and I do my best to protect the kids and the staff in this district. Once again, I just thank everybody for believing in me.”

Following the re-election of Vecchio at the Dec. 7 school board reorganization meeting, she then presided over the naming of a new vice-president, which this year is Everlyn Herbert. Herbert took over for Jackie Blakey-Tate, who she defeated by a count of six votes to three.

“I’m really thankful and proud to be in this position to serve and to help move the district forward to continue to ensure better educations for our young people,” Herbert said. “We’re looking forward to continuing to make progress.”

One other item of note from the meeting was the board accepted the resignation of senior high school counselor Dr. Amy Alexander effective Jan. 20, 2023, in addition to the resignation of girls and boys high school volleyball coach Joseph “Jay” Mitlo after 25 years of service.

“I just want to thank Jay Mitlo for everything that he’s done with this district and all of the time that he’s put in,” said board member Dr. Robert Marra. “He’s been the coach of the volleyball team, both the boys and the girls for many years. He will be missed.”

Board member Meryl Thomas concurred: “He will be missed. Very big shoes to fill.”

Finally, the board approved David McSweeny as an athletic/activity volunteer, as he will be working with the marching band and school musicals for the 2022-2023 year. The board also approved the receipt of a charitable donation, receiving 15 pairs of basketball shoes each for the boys and girls varsity basketball teams from Noblemen’s Corvette Club.