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Tunkhannock School Board appoints Ethan Greenlee to fill Region 1 vacancy
Summary
The Tunkhannock Area School District Board unanimously appointed Ethan Greenlee to fill the Region 1 seat vacated by the late Lori Bennett; the appointment lasts through December pending the election to fill the remaining two years of the term.
The Tunkhannock Area School District Board of Directors unanimously appointed Ethan Greenlee on a motion during a special meeting called to fill the Region 1 vacancy created by the death of longtime director Lori Bennett.
Superintendent Girard opened the meeting by acknowledging Bennett’s service, saying, "She always put the needs of her children and the community's children above everything else." Board members then considered the appointment after the district described its timeline for filling the vacancy.
A resident asked how the appointment process differed from past practice, quoting district guidance: "The 30 day time line starts with the official board meeting where the resignation is formally accepted or the vacancy is announced." Superintendent Girard said the timeline for this appointment was accelerated because the seat was to appear on the ballot and the district consulted the Pennsylvania School Boards Association and county and district solicitors to determine the schedule.
The district received two letters of interest; only one applicant, Ethan Greenlee, had also filed nominating petitions to appear on the ballot. According to district remarks during the meeting, because the seat will be decided by voters this fall, the board's appointment will be valid only through December, when the election outcome will determine who serves the remainder of the two-year term.
Former board member Bill Swilly submitted the other letter of interest but, after learning Greenlee had filed petitions, deferred so the board could move forward with the candidate who had already sought the ballot.
Ethan Greenlee, sworn in during the meeting, introduced himself: "My name is Ethan Greenlee, lifelong resident of Tunkhannock, [and] grama of Tunkhannock Area School District." He told the board he is "soon to be a father of 2" and said he wants "to have a thoughtful, meaningful impact" and to learn how the district operates before pressing questions or proposing changes.
The board took a single roll-call vote on a motion "to approve a school board director to fill a vacancy in Region 1 (Ethan Greenlee)." Board members voted yes: Mrs. Eckert; Mrs. Goble; Dr. O'Sharaq; Dr. Pribola; Mr. Burke; Mr. Farr; and Mrs. Arnold. The motion passed unanimously. The board then recessed to executive session and planned to return for a public meeting at 7 p.m.
The appointment fills the immediate vacancy; the person elected in the upcoming ballots will serve the rest of Bennett’s two-year term beginning after certification in December.
