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Ambridge Area Board appoints Adena Fergonia to fill vacant director seat
Summary
The Ambridge Area School Board appointed Adena Fergonia to a vacant school director seat after interviewing six candidates and three rounds of nominations. The vote was 7–1. The board asked the solicitor and administration to facilitate the oath and an orientation for the appointee.
The Ambridge Area School District Board of School Directors on Wednesday appointed Adena Fergonia to fill a vacant board seat, voting 7–1 after receiving statements from six candidates.
The board voted to appoint Fergonia after a series of nominations and individual candidate statements. The motion to appoint Fergonia carried with seven votes in favor and one opposed; the board president announced, "Motion carries." (roll-call recorded at the meeting.)
Board members and candidates had the opportunity to present statements or written letters. Kathleen Curtis submitted a written statement noting her prior board experience and citing the Pennsylvania requirement that the remaining board members appoint a qualified person within 30 days. Joshua Gill described community and vocational-program experience and said he would "be a board member who not only listens, but who also speaks up for the students." Mark Reichard's written statement emphasized school safety and device use during instruction. Thomas Short highlighted communications, trust-building and fiscal stewardship. Several candidates were not present and submitted written statements.
The appointment process drew comments from members who said the decision was difficult. Director Fisher said the choice was hard and explained why she supported Curtis earlier in the vote process: "This is really hard. I wish I could put everybody on here because there's not a letter that came in front of us that was not good. So I'm struggling with the decision, but, I'm gonna say yes for Mrs. Curtis. She has been a previous board member and a good one at that, and I appreciate her service and her time, so I will say yes for Mrs. Curtis." After subsequent nominations, the board elected Fergonia.
The board president asked the solicitor and administration to facilitate the oath of office and an orientation for the appointee. Solicitor Turnbull said the district will arrange to administer the oath and provide orientation materials and noted the board action satisfies the school-code timing for filling vacancies. Turnbull said a notary in the district will assist and staff will contact the appointee to complete the swearing-in process.
Votes at the meeting were taken by roll call. For the motion appointing Adena Fergonia the recorded votes were: Missus Fisher — yes; Miss Fitsko — no; Missus Kehoe — yes; Mister Kovacevic — yes; Missus Romasco — yes; Missus Scott — yes; Mister Zacci — yes; Mister Carpenter (president) — yes. The motion carried 7–1.
The board president closed the appointment segment by thanking all candidates and encouraging continued community engagement. The appointee's term length and effective start date were discussed administratively; the board did not state a specific termination date in the meeting record.
Members and staff said they will coordinate the logistics of swearing in Fergonia, including whether the ceremony can be completed remotely if necessary.
Notes: the board received six candidate statements (some read aloud or submitted in writing). The district solicitor and a district notary will facilitate the oath of office and orientation.
