Leechburg Area School Board appoints new member

The Leechburg Area School Board welcomed a new member Wednesday night.

Jimmy Feudale, of West Leechburg, was appointed in a 5-3 vote to fill an empty seat. His swearing in comes after the death of James Dunmire, whose term was set to end in December.

Feudale, Danielle Reinke and Neil Brady all submitted letters of interest to fill the position. Each candidate was given the opportunity to speak about how their appointment would help the district.

All three are running in the May primary for a full term starting in December.

Feudale said the three most important entities of the district are the students, the people who work at the school and the community.

“We have to serve the community, the taxpayers. We have to inform the community of what’s going on with the school district — the good and bad,” Feudale said.

He also emphasized the importance of finding a way to best serve the students including collaborating with teachers to find out what’s needed in classrooms.

Before voting, the board members held a public discussion.

“We need to pick someone who’s dedicated and will show up,” said board member Darius Lovelace. “We have to pick someone who honestly wants to do the job.”

Board members Anthony Townsend, Joseph Lepish, Tom Maxin, Andrew Pallus and Ashley Coudriet voted in favor of Feudale’s appointment. Members Melanie Knight, Lovelace and Candi Stewart voted against.