School board accepts treasurer's resignation

Program and staff cuts will probably be announced at the Jan. 12 meeting.
By WILLIAM K. ALCORN
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
STRUTHERS -- Schools Treasurer Michael R. Evanson resigned his post for "personal reasons" at Tuesday's board of education meeting.
The board unanimously accepted his resignation, which takes effect Jan. 31. Evanson had served 10 years in the position.
In a brief letter addressed to the board, Evanson said:
"On behalf of myself and family, I would like to thank the board members, past and present, as well as the community of Struthers, for extending to me the opportunity to serve you these past 10 years."
Evanson would not elaborate on why he resigned.
Board President Matthew Rhoads said the board would seek permission from the state Financial Planning and Supervisory Commission to hire an interim treasurer and initiate a search for a permanent replacement.
The state commission is overseeing Struthers School District finances while it is in fiscal emergency.
Staff cuts expected
Superintendent Sandra DiBacco said program and staff cuts expected after the failure of a 6.9-mill property tax levy at the November general election will probably be announced at the January 2006 meeting after a review of the district's financial records by state auditors is complete.
The superintendent said the report should be finished by the end of December or early in January 2006.
It would be foolish to make decisions before receiving that report, DiBacco said.
Evanson is not the only school official leaving his post. Rhoads was defeated for re-election in the November election, and board members Joseph Edwards and Kandace Becker-Hagendorn did not seek re-election.
Board members David Barone and Sheri L. Noble, whose terms expire Dec. 31, 2007, will be joined on the board next year by Robert Noble, who is not related to Sheri, Dean A. Burns, and Dennis S. Spisak.
The board's reorganization meeting will be at 5:15 p.m. Jan. 12, followed immediately by the regular meeting.
alcorn@vindy.com