Aug 6, 2015 2 min read

Canon McMillan School Board left former member Eric Kline’s name plate at the table, even though members knew he wouldn’t be seated at Thursday’s special voting meeting. The 71-year-old died Friday after a six-year battle with cancer.

“We lost a great friend and member of this district,” said board President Paul Scarmazzi before asking for a moment of silence.

“He led by example, and he showed more strength and determination than anyone I’ve ever known. Even as he was battling cancer, he would call in for meetings, and he was the impetus behind the scholarships we give out,” he said.

After a comment from Scarmazzi, the board discussed naming the scholarship committee’s awards in his honor. Members Zeffie Carroll and Joe Zupancic were absent.

Assistant Superintendent Scott Chambers said after the meeting the board will apoint a replacement to Kline’s seat at their Aug. 20 meeting.

In other business, the board accepted a number of resignations and hires. The following people resigned: Jason Colbert, dean of students at the middle school; Jeanne Lias, elementary librarian; Dustin Koch, assistant track coach; Christopher Fee, head middle school football coach.

The board then voted to approve the hiring of six teachers, four whom are elementary level, while the other two were a science teacher at the high school and a special education teacher at North Strabane Intermediate. Vince Faith was approved as the replacement for dean of students. Kenneth Crowley was hired as a 260-day assistant high school principal.

In athletics, Timothy Bruzdewicz was hired as varsity baseball head coach.

Steve Glancy and Adam Veltri were hired as middle school boys soccer coaches; Pamela Moniodes, Brian Anderson and Danielle Hewitt were hired for the girls soccer program.