Colonial School District swears in four new directors; elects Petruno president and Plant vice president
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Summary
At its annual reorganization meeting the Colonial School District swore in four newly elected directors, elected Beth Petruno president and Gail Plant vice president for one-year terms, authorized continued use of existing signature plates, approved personnel actions and settled an assessment appeal; the board recognized two championship teams.
The Colonial School District board held its annual reorganization meeting on Monday, swearing in four newly elected members and electing officers for one-year terms.
Judge Wendy Rothstein of the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas administered the oaths of office for Sharon Marino, Gail Plant, Rashida Randall and Thomas Santiago, each affirming support for the U.S. and Pennsylvania constitutions and pledging to discharge the duties of office with fidelity. The board then moved to officer elections.
After nominations, Chris Epstein was chosen by the five seated members to serve as temporary president to run the reorganization proceedings. Beth Petruno was nominated and elected president for a one-year term when the board raised hands in support. Gail Plant was nominated and elected vice president for a one-year term.
The board approved an administrative motion to authorize continuation of the use of existing signature plates until new plates reflecting the newly elected officers can be prepared and authorized the financial manager to arrange for their preparation. (Motion text in meeting: “This is a motion to authorize the continuation of the use of existing signature plates until new signature plates can be prepared, reflecting the new board officer appointments if necessary. The financial manager is authorized to arrange for the preparation of said signature plates.”) The motion was seconded and approved during the meeting.
Dr. Christian introduced recognitions for two championship teams. Charice Haltsman, coach of the Plymouth White Marsh field hockey team, recounted the squad’s 15–5 season and said, “it is their character that stands out the most,” noting the team played the season while honoring a lost teammate. Coach Clarence Lewis recognized the boys cross country team’s undefeated league season and the program’s first league championship in school history.
Superintendent Mike presented a personnel report (agenda items 4b and 4c) and moved to approve the personnel changes, noting that appointments are subject to credential and employment verification; the motion was seconded and the board approved the personnel report. The board also approved stipulations to settle an assessment appeal for Parcel 490001786001 after a motion and second.
The reorganization meeting was adjourned and the board moved into a brief special meeting to consider routine business. The meeting included procedural announcements that Mrs. Petruno was participating by phone and closed with board members offering congratulations to the reelected and newly elected directors.
What’s next: The board’s newly elected officers will serve one-year terms; administrative follow-up noted during the meeting includes preparation of updated signature plates and standard personnel onboarding steps for newly appointed staff.