Riverview School District's PR consultant resigns

Oakmont Councilwoman Carrie DelRosso has resigned as Riverview School District’s public relations consultant.

She submitted her letter of resignation earlier this month. School board members may vote to accept it Nov. 11 .

DelRosso was hired by the district in 2016. Her last official day is Dec. 31.

She’s offered to volunteer some time to help with any new Riverview public relations person.

The borough resident said she’s proud of the work done in the district, but other commitments have forced her to step aside.

“I’ve made significant accomplishments and I’ve picked up additional clients,” DelRosso said. “I also felt that as we enter into budget season, any expense associated with my services could serve as the money for the new STEM upgrades at Verner (Elementary).”

DelRosso was recently hired by Penn Hills School District as its public relation consultant. She also serves Verona and Plum in similar fashion.

She has three children in Riverview schools.

DelRosso announced her departure from the district during an Oakmont Council meeting.

Elected officials were discussing a proposed electronic sign ordinance when Councilwoman Leah Powers suggested it might be a conflict of interest for DelRosso to take action on the matter.

The district has expressed interest in having such signage at its high school.

DelRosso said all of her votes were based on what she thought was in the best interest of the borough, and her district position never influenced her decisions.

“Carrie DelRosso is a strong and positive supporter of the Riverview School District community,” Superintendent Peggy DiNinno said. “I have always been appreciative of her positivity, her abundance of energy, and the enthusiastic and supportive approach she has taken to share Riverview’s good news.

“While she may not be physically present in the same way, I am certain she will continue to have an impact of the district. I am thankful for the support she provided to us over the past few years.”

DelRosso’s resignation letter highlighted some of her Riverview accomplishments.

They include crafting a strategic plan in 2017 to support positive awareness campaigns, an internal system for administrators and teaching staff to communicate classroom acknowledgments through the central office, website upgrades, grant identification and development of the “R” brand used universally throughout Riverview.

Board President Maureen McClure said DelRosso was a tremendous asset and will be missed.

“I think Carrie has given a lot to the district,” Maureen said. “I think part of the issue is there are many people who don’t believe that a PR person is needed. But when you’re small and competing with wealthier districts, it’s important to keep a district like ours visible in the press.

“She has worked hard to help bring in external grants and contracts. We look forward to trying to find somebody to help us do that.”