NORTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. - Some who attended the Parkland School Board meeting Tuesday night expressed frustration that they did not hear how the seat left vacant by Jarrett Coleman would be filled.
Coleman, who was elected to the state Senate in November, resigned last week, with it taking effect Tuesday, Dec. 20.
- Parkland School Board member Jarrett Coleman was elected to the state Senate
- Coleman initially said he planned to keep his school board seat but changed his mind and resigned from the school post
- The school board has 30 days to name a replacement
He had previously said he planned to stay on the school board while also serving in the General Assembly, but he changed his mind.
The board voted unanimously to accept Coleman’s resignation Tuesday. Board members said they had yet to decide how they would go about filling the seat.
The district’s spokeswoman said the solicitor confirmed the position does not necessarily need to be advertised.
The board has filled vacancies in the past by appointing someone “non-political” such as when longtime board member Robert Bold retired in 2019 and then was appointed to fill the vacancy created when Director Marie Maritch resigned in 2021.
It can also advertise for candidates and conduct interviews.
“Inclusiveness means including everyone in the decision-making process.”William Allen, Pennsylvania Integrity Network
By law, the board has 30 days after accepting a resignation to fill a school board seat. The board has to vote by a majority to seat someone as a replacement.
William Allen of the Pennsylvania Integrity Network, which bills itself as a nonpartisan group on elections and leadership, said he did not approve of the same process the board followed with the last appointment.
“Inclusiveness means including everyone in the decision-making process,” he said. “You’re elected. You understand what it means it be an elected servant.”
Board President Carol Facchiano said because the board just approved Coleman’s resignation, it needs to discuss all of the possibilities for filling the vacancy. She said she hadn’t formed an opinion yet if the position should be advertised.
Board Director Patrick Foose said he would like to see the position advertised and candidates interviewed.
“The public should be able to come to the board, apply and have an equal opportunity for this position,” he said. “It would be asinine for me to think otherwise.”
