Biehls, Rozanski to Lead ECASD Board; Pitrelli Appointed to Vacant Seat

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors held its reorganization and regular voting meeting Thursday night.

Current Board President Jean Biehls was again named president in a unanimous vote as was Board Vice President Gary Rozanski. They will lead the board in 2022.

Kathy McCommons and Norman Boots were relected and will continue their efforts along with Claire Fauzy and newcomer Kathy Tillia. The four directors were sworn in by Biehls.

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors appointed Claire Fauzy during the August 5, 2021 committee/voting meeting to fill the position left vacant after the July resignation of former Board Director Matt Morella.

At that time, ECASD’s Superintendent Dr. Wesley Shipley suggested that the board appoint Fauzy because of her obvious pull with voters.

During the regular voting portion of the meeting, the board appointed Renee Pitrelli to a vacant seat. She previously served on the board. Boots nominated her for the seat.

Directors Erica Gray, Jennifer Tomon, and Fauzy opposed the appointment of Pitrelli.

“I believe we have a fiduciary responsibility to interview candidates,” Gray said.

McCommons disagreed stating that Pitrelli only missed election by five votes, “There is no one else as current on policy and negotiations.”

The seat filled by Pitrelli was left vacant by the resignation of Norman Boots. He was elected to fill two concurrent terms.

Biehls said committee appointments will be announced at a later date.