Republican Majority Presides Over Final Council Rock Meeting

NEWTOWN BOROUGH, PA — The Republican leaders of the Council Rock School Board presided over its final meeting on Nov. 16 two weeks after Democrats flipped the board to blue.

Four members of the board, including president Ed Salamon, presided over a quiet final meeting, which included student advisory reports from Council Rock High School South, the recognition of National Merit Scholars and routine business items, including the purchase of two Steinway pianos in partnership with the Council Rock Education Foundation (CREF), a security improvement at Newtown Elementary, and new furniture for the Sol Feinstone Elementary School.

In addition to Salamon, Republicans Mike Thorwart and board appointed member Steven Nowmos will be leaving the board at the end of November when their terms expire. Democrat Mariann McKee will also be leaving the board when her term expires.

Superintendent Andy Sanko thanked each for their service to the district and recognized their dedication to the students of Council Rock.

“Each of these individuals have given much more to Council Rock than most will ever know,” said Sanko. “Being a school board member is a time and energy commitment that knows no schedule, but is always ready to support students.

“In a few weeks we will welcome several new members to the school board and continue Council Rock’s responsibility to deliver educational excellence to our students,” continued Sanko, “but your service will always be part of the story of the Council Rock School District and the impact of your leadership and guidance will reach far into the future.”

Board member Bob Hickey also thanked the departing board members, wishing them well in their future endeavors.

“It feels like a rare occasion when this will be the last meeting of almost half of this board,” said Hickey. “To Dr. Nowmos, I did not get to work with you for very long but I’d like to thank you for
stepping up when there was a seat to be filled with Kristin’s departure.

“To Ms. McKee, outside of Council Rock my guess is that we would disagree on many things, however, inside Council Rock I would like to believe that we achieved common ground," said Hickey. "I would like to believe we worked well together and we accomplished much. I respect you, your straight-forwardness and your honesty. Hopefully I earned your respect as well.”

Hickey also spoke to Thorwart and Salamon. “You were board leadership when I arrived. And although I am older than you, it was you who taught me the ropes along with Kristin (Marcell). You helped me become a better school board director. There is so much more to this job than meets the eye. And I thank you.

“In addition, when I arrived we were just getting through the worst of the pandemic. Social, emotional and educational damage may never fully be healed. Yet unfortunately that’s what happens when politicians enter the educational space," he said "Under your leadership Council Rock has begun to reverse these negative affects. Nights for Knowledge, curriculum review and accountability on all levels were just some examples which pointed us in the right direction.

“You both have constantly stressed for every decision I make, 'How does this help kids?' Please remind me if I ever fail at this regard,” he said. “I don’t know what the future holds for you but you should be proud of the work you have done for the district.”

Board member Ed Tate directed his comments to Mariann McKee who he praised as a "superior" board member.

“Those of you who have participated in our meetings over the past few years have seen Mariann in action and know that she is extremely knowledgeable, confident and passionate. Her voice of experience as a former teacher was absolutely invaluable to the board.

“And outside of this room, Mariann provided a great deal of wisdom and even tempered guidance to those of us on the board,” Tate continued. “She has been a terrific example of how board members should conduct themselves. Mariann always placed a premium on collegiality and
respect and she responded admirably in challenging situations. She’s just a tremendous person.”

During a special meeting of the board on Dec. 7, four new members will be seated giving the Democrats majority control of the local school board.

Joining the board will be Democrats Tracey Osecki, Linda Stone and Nicole Khan and Republican Anne Horner. Re-elected to the board are Democrat Ed Tate and Republican Joseph Hidalgo.

Osecki, Stone, Khan and Tate will join board member Yota Palli in making up the new Democrat majority. Minority board members will be Hidalgo, Horner, Bob Hickey and Ed Roosevelt.

Following the reorganization meeting, the board will hold a special meeting to consider the Act 1 Index for 2024-25.

The state is capping the index at 5.3 percent for next year, meaning school boards that adopt the index are limited to a 5.3 percent tax increase in 2024-25. Under a new deadline set by the state, school districts have until January 4 to decide.

The district’s director of business administration Anthony Rapp is expected to brief new and returning board members on the Act 1 Index and make a recommendation.

EDITOR'S NOTE: An earlier version of this story listed the incorrect partner organization in the purchase of the two new Steinway pianos.