Mount Lebanon School Board appoints Rev. Dr. Laura Strauss to fill vacancy
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Summary
After interviewing 12 applicants, the Mount Lebanon School District board held a roll-call vote Feb. 9 and appointed Rev. Dr. Laura Strauss to fill the remainder of a vacant seat; Strauss was sworn in at the meeting. The selection drew public comment and criticism about board transparency and district budgets.
The Mount Lebanon School District board on Feb. 9 appointed Rev. Dr. Laura Strauss to fill the remainder of the seat vacated by Jacob Weiland, following a roll-call vote and a brief public-comment period. The clerk announced a stated tally of "5 votes for Dr. Strauss," and the board administered the oath of office that night.
Board members said the district used a standard interview rubric and a scoring compilation to guide nominations from 12 applicants. Dr. Catherine Hatch, who nominated Strauss, praised her experience and advocacy work, saying Strauss showed "strong leadership, a student centered philosophy, and experiences that would add meaningful value to the current board." Hatch cited Strauss's work with organizations such as Bread for the World and Days for Girls as evidence of sustained advocacy for children.
The appointment drew public comment both in support of other candidates and in criticism. Paul Abongiorno urged the board to consider Patrick King for the seat, calling community connection "key" and describing King as an active local volunteer. In a separate public comment, Pat King (Longview Drive) said the outcome felt predetermined and criticized recent district budget growth and tax increases. The board acknowledged public comments but did not alter the vote.
After the clerk declared the appointment, Rev. Dr. Laura Strauss took the oath of office. On being sworn in she said, "I'm delighted and shocked." Board officials encouraged others who applied to consider future election cycles; the chair noted the next regular school board elections are in 2027.
The record shows the motion to appoint the nominee receiving a majority was moved and seconded at the meeting, but the transcript does not identify who made the motion or who seconded it by name. The clerk's announced tally — "5 votes for Dr. Strauss" — was recorded in the minutes and the swearing-in immediately followed.
The board also noted that rubrics and scoring materials from the interview process are posted in board documents for public reference.
