Jul 26, 2017 3 min read

Charleroi Area School District is being proactive, not reactive, by testing the district’s drinking water, Superintendent Edward Zelich said at Tuesday’s school board meeting.

For the third year in a row, West Virginia University will be testing for total trihalomethanes. Trihalomethanes are a group of four chemicals that are formed along with other disinfection byproducts when chlorine or other disinfectants used to control bacteria in drinking water react with naturally occurring organic and inorganic matter in water. The study points to the importance of flushing inactive water lines, such as lines in schools, during the summer.

“We learned to flush our lines, which is good advice for not just our district, but also for residents if they have been gone for a period of time. We have always had good numbers from these tests. This is just another safety net, ” said Zelich.

District facilities also will be tested for lead in the water. Zelich said the testing is proactive and for the safety of staff and students.

The school board also learned the district has received a $1,000 donation from Mon Valley Alliance that was used to purchase a drone for the middle school STEM program. This addition brings the district drone count to four, two at the high school and two at the middle school. Zelich said this drone will be used, if needed, in partnership with the community. Last year, high school STEM students used a drone to assist the Borough of Charleroi in assessing condemned properties.

The board approved a motion to receive a $2.5 million tax-anticipation loan from Citizens Bank. Zelich said the loan is for the purpose of paying a $2 million bond payment due Sept. 1. Zelich said, “We won’t have the tax revenue in our fund balance until after the bond payment is due.”

Charleroi resident Rich Saccani addressed the board, saying he wants people to know the good things about Charleroi. He noted that despite all of the great athletes who attended Charleroi, not one is the WPIAL Hall of Fame.

“I tried to nominate someone, but only the district athletic director can nominate an athlete. This hall of fame is 12 years old. Why hasn’t anyone been nominated?” he asked.

He added he believes the high school stadium name, Myron Pottios Stadium, should be more visible.

Saccani said more needs to be done to accentuate the achievements of district alumni.

“We have had so many people from the district that are nationally known, they should be recognized,” he said.

Actor Don Adams of the television show “Get Smart” graduated from Charleroi. Others include an Olympic archery medalist, a Broadway actor, athletes and scientists.

School board President Ken Wiltz asked Saccani if he was willing to help with such an initiative, and Saccani agreed to assist.