West Chester Area SD board approves purchase of 400 North Penn St.; accepts Ruston principal’s resignation, names interim principal

The West Chester Area School District board on Dec. 19 approved a resolution to purchase 400 North Penn Street (West Chester Park) for educational use, accepted the resignation of Ruston High School Principal Dr. Michael Morano and appointed Dr. Cliff Beaver as interim principal effective Jan. 2, 2025.

Board members voted to adopt a resolution authorizing the district to proceed with the purchase, authorize district officers to execute closing documents, agree to deadlines and extensions, exclude certain seller-owned fixtures and personal property, and terminate the agreement if inspections disclose material defects. Vice President De La Sala moved the resolution; the motion was seconded and carried. In the board’s words: “Approval is requested to adopt the resolution approving and ratifying agreement of sale for the purchase of 400 North Penn Street, Westchester Park for education use, authorizing the superintendent, director of facilities and operations, and other necessary district officers and personnel to carry out the district’s obligations under the agreement of sale,” including authorization “to agree to the extensions, the dates of the deadlines, and the agreement of sale” and to terminate the agreement if inspections disclose material defects.

Also on the agenda, Director Parkinson moved that the board accept the resignation of Dr. Michael Morano as principal of Ruston High School; Director Frey seconded the motion, which passed. The resignation’s effective date was not specified on the record.

Parkinson then moved to appoint Dr. Cliff Beaver as interim principal at Ruston High School, effective Jan. 2, 2025, at a daily rate of $825; Director Dietrich seconded the motion and the board approved the appointment.

There were no registrants for public comment at the meeting. The board approved the meeting agenda at the outset and adjourned after the three actions.

Votes at a glance - Resolution to purchase 400 North Penn Street (West Chester Park): Moved by Vice President De La Sala; second provided; motion carried. (Exact vote tally not specified in the meeting record.) - Acceptance of resignation of Dr. Michael Morano, Ruston High School principal: Moved by Director Parkinson; seconded by Director Frey; motion carried. (Effective date not specified.) - Appointment of Dr. Cliff Beaver as interim principal, Ruston High School: Moved by Director Parkinson; seconded by Director Dietrich; approved. Effective Jan. 2, 2025; daily rate $825.

No additional discussion, public testimony, or contested votes were recorded in the transcript.