Brashear elected to lead Brownsville School Board
After serving seven of his eight years on the Brownsville Area School Board as vice president, Director Rocky Brashear will finally serve as president on the board. Brashear was the only board member nominated for the position during the district’s reorganization meeting. He will replace Director Andy Dorsey, who took over Director Jim Brown’s position after he stepped down as president in the summer.
Brashear said he has shied away from presiding over the board in the past, but this year he decided to step up to the job.
“I’m happy to be supported by all the board members and I will continue to do what I’ve always done during the last eight years. I will continue to serve the board and protect the students and the taxpayers of the Brownsville Area School District. I won’t change a thing,” Brashear said.
Brashear said he thinks all board members should have an opportunity to serve as president.
Brown was elected as vice president of the board.
The board also voted to appoint Davis & Davis of Uniontown as the district’s solicitor at a fee to be negotiated. Davis & Davis will replace solicitor Matt Hoffman of Hoffman and McCann of Pittsburgh, whose retainer fee was $250 per month.
Director Stella Broadwater’s motion to appoint Davis & Davis passed with by a 7-2 vote with Brown and Director Dr. Melvin Sally voting against the motion.
Director Roseanne Markovich said the decision had nothing to do with Hoffman.
“This has nothing to with Matt Hoffman. He is wonderful. This has to do with keeping things local,” Markovich said.
Brashear said Hoffman served as solicitor to the district for approximately three years and has done an excellent job.
“(Hoffman and McCann) is an outstanding firm. I cannot say enough good about him. I commend the job you’ve done,” Brashear said.
Superintendent Dr. Gerry Grant also commended Hoffman for his service.
“I commend Hoffman on his professionalism. He was always available to us. He served us well and he has helped us many times. I appreciate your help,” Grant said. “I do understand this board is concerned with bringing in local firms and I know that is important to the district.”
In other business the board decided to keep the meetings dates the same, planning session, the third Monday of the month at 7 p.m. and regular meetings the third Thursday at 7 p.m.
The Herald-Standard will remain the designated newspaper for the district.
Brown will continue to serve on the Southwest Regional Tax Bureau Executive Committee for a one-year term.
Dorsey will serve another three-year term on the Fayette County Area Vocational Technical School Operating Committee.
Markovich will continue to be the board’s Pennsylvania School Board Association (PSBA) representative, serving as a member of the regional director’s cabinet, which meets at least once a year.
Director John Evans will continue to serve as the PSBA legislative chairperson, representing the district at two county meetings each year.
Brashear will continue as the PSBA employee relations contact.
The board also gired Andy Assad as varsity head football coach at a rate of $6,500 per year. Brashear said Assad has been an assistant coach in the district for seven years and has also worked as a coach in other districts.
Assad replaces Don Bartolomucci, who lead the Brownsville Falcons to four WPIAL playoff games. Bartolomucci retired after eight years as head coach.
“Don Bartolomucci brought excellence, dignity and pride to the football program when he became head football coach,” Broadwater said in a written statement. “He leaves Brownsville Area with these same great qualities and 28 years of coaching experience. When we think about the Falcon slogan ‘All About Pride,’ we thank Don Bartolomucci for giving our community a proud football tradition.”
In other action, the board:
? Named Joel Seelye as a volunteer for the 9th grade basketball team.
? Approved an agreement between Idlewild Park for the school picnic on Saturday, May 17, 2003. Fun Day Passes will be sold at a cost of $10.50.
? Announced a copy of the district’s audit report is on file at Hiller Elementary School and is available for inspection during regular business hours.
? Authorized Michael Molnar Associates to proceed with the design development phase of the High School/Middle School Complex project.
? Elected Janet Jones as the extracurricular sponsor of the mock trial team for Brownsville.