School Board Member Resigns, Seat Up for Grabs

Director Terri Carlson attended her last meeting as a member of the Springfield Board of School Directors Sept. 8. 

Board President Dominic Bentivegna announced Carlson's resignation as an addition to the . The board presented her with a Flame of Education award and voted unanimously in favor of her decision.

Carlson cited personal and professional obligations as her reasons and added that she might wish to return to the board someday.

“I don’t want to spread myself to thin,” she said. “I’ve enjoyed working with this board. Their main focus, 100 percent, is the success of the students and financial responsibility to the taxpayers.”

Carlson joined the board in 2009. She is chair of the Policy Committee; her resignation will be effective after her final committee meeting Sept. 15. She is a member of the Education Committee, interacting with the Special Education and Guidance departments and Student Services, as well as board representative to the Community Education Council.

“One of her most helpful roles to the board is that of a parent to students in our schools,” Bentivegna said. “In this role, she helps us understand the day-to-day challenges and benefits of students receiving an education in Springfield schools. We thank her for her service and her family for sharing her with us.”

Treasurer Douglas Carney said, although he and Carlson have disagreed on some topics, he respects her professionalism and the strength of her convictions.

“We’ll miss your perspective and your advocacy on these issues,” he said.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure,” Director Donald Heller said.

Director Geraldine Sullivan, who also serves on the Education and Policy committees, said Carlson is unique in that “She actually likes to write policy. She brought new insights to both committees.”

“I’m convinced, in getting to know you over the past two years, that you would be a great board leader,” Director Donald Cadge said. “We all respect your thinking and reasoning, and your decision to resign.”

“Each member of this board appreciates the work you do and your contributions,” Superintendent James Capolupo said.

Resumes from those who wish to fill Carlson's seat will be accepted until noon on Friday, Sept. 16.

Candidates must live in Region 2, which is west of Norwinden Drive, east of Brookside Road, south of Larchwood and Greenhill roads and north of Saxer Avenue to Bennett to Harwickle roads.

A PDF map of the district, outling each region, is attached to this article.

Resumes can be sent to Board Secretary Linda Roberts at:

111 West Leamy Avenue, Springfield, PA 19064

The board will vote on each candidate individually, by order of nomination, at the next school board meeting on Thursday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. The first candidate nominated by a board member to get a majority vote (five or more) will be elected.

Board Solicitor Mark Sereni said the school board has the power to fill the vacancy within 30 days of Sept. 15, the day of Carlson’s effective resignation, by a public vote of board members, under PA Public School Code.

“If they cannot, or choose not, [to fill the vacancy within 30 days] then any voter can file a petition to put the power in the court’s hands,” he said.

Under the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act, the board must discuss any candidates in public at a meeting, however the board doesn’t have an obligation to advertise the position or conduct interviews, Sereni said.

A committee will review all applicants Sept. 20 and can conduct interviews; the committee will forward all resumes to every board member. During the Sept. 22 meeting, any board member can recommend a candidate and vote.