Fauzy Appointed to fill ECASD Board Seat

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors appointed Claire Fauzy during Thursday evening’s committee/voting meeting to fill the position left vacant after the July resignation of former Board Director Matt Morella.

ECASD’s Superintendent Dr. Wesley Shipley suggested that the board appoint Fauzy because of her obvious pull with voters. Fauzy was already set to join the board after earning the most votes of any candidate in the May 2021 Primary Election. Shipley said following a discussion with the Board President Jean Biehls, he was solid in his support of Fauzy joining the board early to fill the vacancy.

The vote was unanimous in favor of Fauzy, with Directors Renee Pitrelli and Erica Gray absent from voting.

Although she believed the conversation regarding proposing Fauzy as Morella’s replacement should have been an entire board conversation, Director Jennifer Tomon said appointing Fauzy was the logical way to go and seconded the motion made by Director Kathleen McCommons to officially appoint Fauzy.

Fauzy was immediately sworn in and joined the other directors at the board table.

Fauzy, in a statement to EllwoodCity.org, said she was ready to join the board and begin work.

“I’m really thankful to take this endeavor on earlier than expected,” Fauzy said. “I believe so strongly in a positive educational experience for all students and that Ellwood is a great town full of great people. I’m honored to be in this position and look forward to being a part of great things in our district.”

Before May’s Primary Election, Fauzy spoke of her desire to serve on the board.

“I hope to use my experience as a public school educator and my degrees in education to make educated decisions that not only will benefit our students in a positive way but also promote our district,” Fauzy said “My main priority is making sure that the district is providing a quality education to our students. We have some of the best teachers and students around and they are deserving of a top-quality education. I will be an advocate for all students.”