EC School Directors Table Conflict of Interest Policy

During the October 10 voting meeting the Ellwood City Area School Directors voted to table the policy and refer it to the policy committee.

The proposed policy was introduced during the Board’s Monday Night agenda meeting, at which time District Solicitor John DeCaro, said the change could force board members to choose between maintaining their board position or maintaining their participation in leadership roles in other organizations such as boosters, clubs, and PTO.

It was met with strong opposition from Board Directors Barabara Wilson, Kathleen McCommons, and Renee Pitrelli, who viewed the proposal as a target aimed at certain board members and an infringement on their rights and ability to actively participate in organizations outside the school board.

Before the vote, McCommons questioned the process and timeline in which the proposed changes were developed and said that the request for the policy was not an act by the whole board, but a request by one director.

“The process jumped ahead a few steps,” McCommons said. “The proper procedures weren’t followed.”

Numerous visitors attended the meeting to speak about the topic, many of which said that they did not agree with the policy.

Visitor Marsha Cater said that board director Kathleen McCommons was clearly supported by a majority of votes when she was elected and that she believes it was McCommons active roles in other school related organizations that make her a strong and dedicated board member with the ability to make decisions that are based on the best interest of the student body.

Blanche Novak, visitor, said before the vote, “I think this is a big mistake.” She added that involvement in additional school related activities and organizations can only strengthen the board.

To read about the Board’s October 7th Committee Meeting, Click here.