NESHANNOCK School board OKs proposal for budget

The board is looking for new legal representation.
NEW CASTLE -- The Neshannock Area School Board adopted a proposed 2002-2003 school year budget by a 5-3 vote. The board has 30 days to adopt the final budget.
Frank Rondinelli, board vice president, said the proposed budget allows for $12,999,342 in expenditures and revenue of $11,476.586.
If it approves the budget, the board would have to impose a 5-mill tax increase to balance it.
Board members Rondinelli, Joseph Gierlach, Richard Canciello, James Kearney and Tracy Stevenson voted for the proposed budget, and Karen Houk, John Dietz and Walter Kustra voted against it. Board member Gina Hennon was absent.
Solicitor's contract
In other business, the board declined to renew the contract of Atty. Richard Flannery as school board solicitor, a post he has held for 23 years.
The board voted 5-3 against Flannery's reappointment.
Stevenson, Rondinelli, Gierlach and Kearney, who voted against Flannery's reappointment, refused to comment.
Canciello, who also voted against it, said: "The district needs a new perspective. It's time for a change."
Flannery commented after the meeting: "Working as a solicitor for 23 years for the district has been a privilege. I've enjoyed working with many superintendents and school boards who have had many dedicated and good citizens representing the district."
Flannery's term expires at the end of June.
Houk said, "Mr. Flannery has served the district over 23 years and has done an excellent job."
The district also is in process of filling the superintendent and assistant superintendent positions.