Pottsgrove SD board appoints Louis Corominas to fill vacancy after 5-3 vote

Pottsgrove SD on Monday appointed Louis Corominas to a vacant seat on the Board of School Directors following public interviews and a roll-call vote that the board reported as 5-3.

The action followed a legal overview provided to the board by Dr. Finney, who cited Pennsylvania Public School Code Section 3-315 and explained that "the remaining board members by a majority vote are authorized to appoint a ... replacement to fill that vacancy" and that an appointee must be a resident at least 18 years old and of good moral character. Dr. Finney said the person appointed will serve "until the 1st Monday of December of 2025," and would need to run in the next municipal election if they wish to continue beyond that date.

The board conducted televised, public interviews of two finalists after one candidate withdrew. The finalists were Stacey Hebert, a long-time PTA volunteer and parent active in school committees, and Louis (Luis) Corominas, a West Pottsgrove PTA member who described professional experience in construction and facilities. During his interview, Corominas said, "This community means a lot to me." Hebert told the board, "For the students, I feel that I am deeply vested in education and the educational advancements of today's Children."

After questioning, the board called a roll-call vote. Board members reported a tally of five votes in favor of Corominas and three for Hebert. Following the vote, the board administered the oath of office and seated Corominas. The board indicated the appointment is effective immediately and that the appointee will serve through the term specified under the cited state statute.

Administratively, the board noted the statutory process: the appointed director serves the remainder of the vacated term or until the first Monday in December following the next municipal election; if the appointee wishes to remain on the board beyond that date they must stand for election in the appropriate primary and general elections. The board did not provide a named mover or seconder for the appointment motion during the public record of the vote.

The interviews and vote occurred during the meeting's agenda item on filling the vacancy; the board said there was no public comment on the appointment prior to the vote. The board thanked the unsuccessful finalist for applying and encouraged continued community involvement.

Corominas was sworn in at the meeting and the board welcomed him before moving on to subsequent agenda items.