Burrell School Board will start the new year with a new board member.
Jean Schager submitted her letter of resignation effective Dec. 31, according to Superintendent Shannon Wagner. Schager was elected in 2021 and won reelection last year.
Schager said her decision to leave the board came when her employer, Hillcrest Volkswagen in Lower Burrell, closed. Her new job requires about an hour commute each way.
“The four years (on the board) was eye-opening,” she said. “I learned a lot as to what the taxes go to as far as what the school has to do. I never agreed with having to raise them as high as we did, but I do see where it goes to and it’s not wasted.”
She said she hopes more people would attend board and budget meetings for a better understanding of district finances and operations.
People interested in filling the vacancy can email a resume and letter of interest to Wagner, at swagner@burrell.k12.pa.us, by the end of the day Tuesday, Jan 6.
The position is at-large, meaning anyone in Lower Burrell or Upper Burrell can apply.
“We have had some people who have shown interest,” Wagner said.
The school board is expected to appointment a member at its Jan. 20 meeting. Meetings are held in the high school board room, 1021 Puckety Church Road, Lower Burrell.
The board meets at 7 p.m. Jan. 13 and at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 20.
“They will probably accept (the resignation) on the 13th and do the process of filling it on the 20th,” Wagner said.
The board will interview applicants publicly during the Jan. 20 meeting, Wagner said.
The person selected will serve a term that lasts through the end of 2027.
“I hope they truly interview the people and pick the best candidate,” Schager said.
