Recent Stories

Ellwood City Area School Board

October 28, 2019

Part One: Ellwood City School Director Candidate Q&A

This is the first in a two-part series featuring a Q&A with the candidates for Ellwood City School District’s Board of Directors. Today’s Q&A features Leroy Cortez and Jean Biehls. Tomorrow’s Q&A will feature Gary Rozanski and Kathy Pansera. The following candidates declined to participate: Jennifer Tomon, Erica Gray, Danielle Woodhead. Elections are just around the corner. Residents will be able to place their votes for numerous offices including Ellwood City Borough Council on November 5. To find your polling location, click here. To learn more about the voting process and how to cast your vote, click here. Take a…

October 28, 2019

Letter To The Editor: ECASD School Board

Dear EC Tax Payers, After 12 years on the Ellwood City Area School District Board, I am stepping down to pursue other endeavors.  I do so with a great deal of pride and satisfaction of our accomplishments. From major renovations to safety improvements; from our commitment to technology in the classroom to our STEAM initiative … the list goes on. As with any elected position, not all board decisions are popular.  Take our decision several years ago to move to grade-level schools and closing Walnut Ridge. The change was met with much opposition, but, being on the School Board is…

October 14, 2019

Cortez, Neupauer Recognized For Years of School Director Service

The Ellwood City Area School District recognized Leroy Cortez and Mike Neupauer for their dedication and years of service on the Ellwood City Area School District Board of Directors. Cortez has served for 16 years, Neupauer has served for 12. School Superintendent Joseph Mancini said during the board’s Oct 10 meeting that they were honored by the Pennsylvania Boards Association (PSBA), which recognizes for years of service from 8 to 36 years. “The legacy of school board service is firmly embedded in the history of our nation and its commitment to public education,” Mancini said. “The PSBA, has a rich…

October 11, 2019

School Board Recommends Policy Revision to Support Outside Agency Lunch Debt Collection

Ellwood City Area School Board voted during its October 10 meeting to recommend a revision to the Food Services Policy 808. The move was prompted by a continued rise in school lunch debt. The new policy would give the district the allowance to use an outside agency to collect unpaid debt. The board could vote to adopt this policy during its November 14 meeting. Richard Zarone, district business manager spoke at the October 7 board committee meeting. He said the debt has reached $3,600 already for the year. He said there would be no cost to hire an agency as…

October 11, 2019

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…

October 8, 2019

Policy Change Proposal Causes Pushback At EC School Board Meeting

A suggested change to the Ellwood City Area School Board’s conflict of interest policy has some board members crying foul. The board is set to vote Thursday on whether to accept the proposed changes introduced during the Board’s Monday Night agenda meeting, at which time District Solicitor John DeCaro, said the policy 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. This proposed change in policy came upon the heels of a suggestion by Board Member Erica Gray and was written…

September 13, 2019

Ellwood City School Board Approves Soccer Funding

The Ellwood City School Board voted unanimously Thursday to approve funding of no more than $4,300 to the boys and girls teams for transportation and referee costs. Before the vote, during the visitors comment portion, numerous soccer supporters spoke on behalf of the teams. Jerry Hermann, visitor, told the board saying no is saying no to a dedicated group of kids. “Be encouragers, not discouragers,” Hermann said. Jean Biehls, visitor, encouraged the board to “open their minds” and look at funds dedicated to other athletics. “We need to let them know that they are just as important,” Biehls said. Lisa…

September 12, 2019

Ellwood City School Board to Vote on Soccer Program Funding

The soccer debate continues within the Ellwood City School Board. During the board’s September 9 agenda meeting, board continued the back and forth discussion regarding whether or not funding should be provided to the boys and girls soccer club. Three players from the boys “club” were in attendance. One player Levi Smith spoke on behalf of the team. He assured the board that the team is dedicated to the season as well as growing the roster through recruiting efforts. He said moving forward the boys team should have no problem maintaining a roster as there are only two graduating seniors…

September 10, 2019

School Officials: Waterline Issues Resolved at Northside

Ellwood City School Officials said they have resolved water line issues that caused some condensation and dripping onto ceiling tiles at Northside Elementary School. A recent Facebook post had parents taking to social media to voice complaints and concerns about the condition of ceiling tile in a classroom at Ellwood City Area School District’s Northside Elementary school. In a post on the Ellwood City Crime Watch & Breaking News page, one parent posted a picture of the tile which appeared brown and black. She noted that the photo was taken in her son’s classroom during the school’s open house. Paul…

August 16, 2019

Board to Re-evaluate Soccer Program Funding in September

During  a special board meeting on Friday morning, Ellwood City School Board decided to allow the soccer program to use the Ewing Park School property for practice and to order nets to facilitate those practices, according to District Superintendent Joseph Mancini, who was reached for comment following the meeting. He said the games will continue to be held at Stiefel Park. He added that the board will re-evaluate the funding request at the September board meeting. Practices are being moved to Ewing Park to allow for more practice availability time in the hopes to attract additional players. This “special meeting”…