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Owen J. Roberts School District board elects Rita Peterson as president
Summary
At its annual reorganization meeting, the Owen J. Roberts School District board swore in newly elected members, elected Rita Peterson president and selected a vice president; the board noted a change to the meeting schedule after Chester County delayed election certification. A public commenter raised concerns about mock trial registration for students.
The Owen J. Roberts School District board convened its annual reorganization meeting to swear in newly elected directors and choose officers, electing Rita Peterson as board president and selecting a vice president.
Board leadership decisions followed roll call and procedural announcements. The moderator said the board’s originally approved date was January 27, 2025 but that solicitor Brian Subers recommended moving the reorganization to December 5, 2025 after Chester County delayed certification of the Nov. 4, 2025 election until that date. The moderator told attendees that required notices were posted and that members had been notified in writing at least five days in advance in accordance with section 402 of the school code.
The board first appointed a temporary president to chair the organization meeting; after a voice vote the temporary presiding officer was announced. The board then opened nominations for the permanent president. Rita Peterson was nominated, a motion to elect her was moved and seconded, and the moderator announced she had been elected president.
The board also selected a vice president after nominations and a voice vote. The meeting included the formal administration of the oath of office for newly elected members; the moderator noted one incoming member arrived late and would be sworn in after the meeting.
Superintendent Dr. Stout thanked Judge Sabatino for administering the oath and thanked board members, family members and staff for their service and continuity, saying he looked forward to continued collaboration with the board. "I'd like to thank Judge Sabatino for coming this evening and swearing in our board members," Dr. Stout said.
During public comment, Heather McCurry, a resident, asked whether the registration fee for mock trial had been paid and said the list published that afternoon omitted Owen J. Roberts from teams eligible to compete. "Has the registration fee been paid for mock trial? ... OJ Roberts was not on this list for teams that could compete in this activity," McCurry said, asking the board to clarify the situation.
The meeting concluded with scheduling reminders: the board announced its next regular meeting will take place Monday, Jan. 26 at 6 p.m., and committee meetings were noted for the coming week before the board adjourned.
Notes: The transcript records nominations, motions and voice votes but does not provide roll-call vote tallies for the officer elections. The board cited solicitor guidance and section 402 of the school code for the meeting notice and date adjustments.
