Unity resident Cathy Sarraf finished just out of the running in November’s election of five Greater Latrobe school directors, but she joined the board this week as an appointed member.
With Eric Hauser absent, the school board voted 6-1 Tuesday to appoint Sarraf to serve the two years remaining in Michael O’Barto’s term. The board accepted O’Barto’s resignation effective Jan. 5 — the day before he rejoined the Unity Township supervisors, to begin a new six-year term on that board.
Paul McCommons, who won the fifth school board seat with 12.8% of the vote, was alone in opposing Sarraf’s appointment.
Greater Latrobe Solicitor Ned Nakles said the board chose Sarraf for the appointment, in part, because she received the next greatest number of votes among the field of seven candidates in November — 3,243 votes, or 11.2%.
“It was not a reflection on anybody else who wasn’t chosen,” said Nakles, who administered the oath of office to Sarraf. “The board was well-acquainted with Mrs. Sarraf.”
Sarraf, whose three children have graduated from Greater Latrobe, has served as a teacher’s aide, office assistant and volunteer at the district. A former Realtor, she works as an assistant in her husband’s chiropractic practice.
“I’m feeling really honored to have been chosen,” Sarraf said.
The quality of Greater Latrobe schools attracted her family to move into the district three decades ago, she said.
“I’m excited to get a chance to play a role,” she said. “I think the board should be filled with people who really have a belief in public education and want to put the kids’ needs first.
“I want our kids to continue to have every opportunity to pursue their own goals,” whether in an academic field or a technical trade, she said. “I want to keep that well-rounded perspective, encouraging them to explore their own strengths and interests.”
Sarraf said she wants to learn more about the school board committees before accepting an assignment to one or more of the advisory panels.
