Hempfield Area School Board member submits resignation

Voters will see a few more candidates on Hempfield’s school board ballot in November after current member Chris Rossman submitted his resignation Monday night.

Rossman, who was not immediately available for comment, submitted his resignation because he is being relocated for his job, Superintendent Tammy Wolicki said. The resignation will go into effect June 23.

According to school policies, the position must be filled within 30 days after the vacancy takes place. Whoever is appointed by the board will fill the seat through Dec. 2, Wolicki said.

Two more candidates, each appointed by the Republican and Democratic parties, will be added to the November ballot, Wolicki said. Whoever is elected will serve the remaining two years of Rossman’s term, through December 2021.

Those candidates will join cross-filed candidates Tony Bompiani, Vince DeAugustine, Mike Alfery and incumbent Jeanne Smith along with Republican candidate Jennifer Bretz and Democratic incumbent David Iwig vying for five open positions in November.

Current board member Paul Adams announced his intention to seek the nomination on his Facebook page Tuesday. Adams lost in May’s primary election after receiving almost 9% of the votes on the Republican ballot and over 10% on the Democratic ballot.

“I am going to seek this nomination and I would be grateful for your support,” Adams wrote. “I’ve served the last three and a half years on the school board and as most of you know, have done so with integrity and with our community, schools, teachers, students, parents, and taxpayers at the core of my decision-making.”