Roppa tapped to fill Mccandless council vacancy

McCandless Town Council has appointed Dr. Kathleen Roppa to fill the vacant council seat in Ward 5.

“Her energy, enthusiasm and drive will make her effective in facing the challenges of the community,” said Kim Zachary, president of township council.

The position was left open after Ward 5 representative Angela Woods resigned in late September because she relocated out of the area.

Roppa will serve the remainder of Woods’ term until Dec. 31, 2023, according to the McCandless Town charter.

Roppa has more than 35 years of experience as an educator and school administrator. She attended Slippery Rock University and received a doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh, according to a biography from the township.

She taught in the Quaker Valley School District from 1978 to 1990 and served as an assistant principal and principal in the North Allegheny School District from 1990 to 2006. She then

became the assistant superintendent in the Neshannock Township School District until she retired in 2012.

After retiring from public education, she served as the principal at Saint Sebastian school in Ross Township from 2012 to 2014, when she resigned to care for a family member, according to the township biography.

Roppa has been a community member for 25 years.

Three residents initially applied for the vacancy, but one withdrew, according to Sandra Bauer, executive services coordinator for the township.

After the remaining applicants went through an interview process, council members chose Roppa on Oct. 11 to fill the vacancy.

Zachary said Roppa was selected based on her employment history, which covers many critical areas council members need to understand.

The township has 45 days after a position is vacant to appoint another ward representative, according to township minutes for Aug. 23.