A year after the Norwin School Board had to have Westmoreland County judges name a replacement when directors could not agree on who should fill a vacancy, the board could find itself in the same position.

Board member Barbara Viola of North Huntingdon, who had been the president, resigned Monday.

Viola, whose term did not expire until December 2021, was absent from the meeting and could not be reached.

The board will have 30 days to name a replacement, or someone could petition the Westmoreland County Court to appoint someone, said Russell Lucas, Norwin’s attorney.

The school board does not have a regularly scheduled meeting until Jan. 6. It could advertise for candidates and conduct a special meeting before the 30-day deadline, Lucas said. If no one petitions the court once the deadline expires, the board could appoint someone.

Board members Monday did not discuss whether to hold a special meeting this month.

When Shawn Petrisko resigned from the school board in August 2018, it set off a series of events that stretched more than five months and revealed a split on the board.

Three new members were sworn into office Monday: Patrick Lynn of North Huntingdon and Robert Wayman and Joanna Jordan, both of Irwin.

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