3 new directors take seats on Allegheny Valley School Board

Allegheny Valley School Board welcomed three new members to its ranks Tuesday.

Fred Derringer, Rebecca Mundok and Colleen Crumb took the seats they won in November’s general election. Nino Pollino, a longtime board member, retained his seat.

The four were sworn in by District Judge Michael Girardi before immediately jumping in where the last board left off during a combined planning and voting meeting.

The new board elected three veteran members to lead it. Paula Jean Moretti will serve as president, Kathleen Haas as vice president and Pollino as treasurer. Pollino has served as board president this year.

Allegheny Valley Superintendent Patrick Graczyk congratulated Moretti, the first female board president. Both thanked Pollino for his previous leadership.

In her first address to council, Moretti told directors their jobs can often be difficult, but she was looking forward to the challenge.

“Seeing the students walk across that stage on graduation day and knowing that you had a hand in their academic achievement is one of the best feelings in the world,” Moretti said.

The board reorganization marks the departure of previous directors Larry Pollick, Salvatore Conte and Mary Ellen Ecker.