Pogany gets standing ovation

By JON MOFFETT

jmoffett@vindy.com

AUSTINTOWN

Joyce Pogany unsuccessfully fought back tears and waved to a crowd providing her with a standing ovation as her curtain call.

The “First Lady of Austintown” was ready to step away from her seat on the Austintown Board of Education for one last time. Monday’s meeting concluded a tenure of almost 30 years.

“I’m very comfortable with the administrators that we have, the teachers, parents, students. Everything is working well,” said Pogany, who served as a school board member for 28 years. “And I just felt it was time to get some new blood in.”

Pogany and fellow board members Traci Morse and Richard Zimmermann each served in their final board meeting Monday. They will be replaced next month by Kathy Mock, Dave Schnurrenberger and Tom Stellers.

The three exiting board members were each given a boutonniere to wear and a bronze plaque commemorative their service with the district.

Superintendent Vince Colaluca and other school officials offered their praise.

“The outgoing board members have done an excellent job if you look at where we are academically,” Colaluca said.

He added that the district hasn’t received “new operating money” since 1996 and said the board has done a tremendous job managing finances.

Pogany said she plans to continue working with the Austintown Historical Society and plans to be just as active in community and school events.

Other board members explained their feelings about leaving and what they plan to do in the future.

“It’s been a great experience and it’s a wonderful opportunity to serve your community,” Morse said.

Morse, who spent four years on the board, is leaving the district to become principal of the Buckeye Elementary School in Painesville.

She said her time was devoted to helping the children of Austintown and advancing the district.

Zimmermann admitted to being “disappointed” after failing to be re-elected – he was the only current board member seeking another term.

Zimmermann, who also served four years, said he will oversee the fledgling robotics club, which is set to start next month.

Asked about the highlights of his tenure, Zimmermann said, “A little bit of everything.”