Times Observer photo by Jacob Perryman Long-serving, outgoing Warren County School District board members were honored by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association with placement on the organization's honor roll. From left, Arthur Stewart and Donna Zariczny are honored for 16 years of service each, and board member Joe Colosimo, right, is honored for eight years of service. Board President Paul Mangione stands with the honorees at Monday night's WCSD board meeting.

With the majority of the Warren County School District board’s members set to change following Tuesday’s elections, outgoing members were honored at the board’s meeting Monday night.

Early in the meeting, three outgoing members were honored for their service and presented certificates from the Pennsylvania School Boards Association. Joseph Colosimo was honored for eight years of service and Arthur Stewart and Donna Zariczny were honored for 16 years of service each. Marcy Morgan, who spent ten years on the board, was not present at the meeting.

During his statements, board President Paul Mangione thanked the outgoing board, which also includes Jeff Dougherty and possibly Kevin Lindvay. Dougherty opted not to run for a full term and Lindvay faced competition for one of two seats in the district’s Region III in a race featuring three candidates.

The board then officially adopted a resolution recognizing the five for their service. Board members whose terms will continue after the election accepted it unanimously.

“During their terms of service, they gave freely of their time and council for the benefit of our community. In conjunction with their fellow members of the board,” the resolution reads. “They have endeavored to support and improve a program that will bless and enlighten the youth of our county. With their terms having come to an end it is hereby resolved that we express appreciation for their devotion of time, care, and spirit and that we shall miss their help and wisdom in carrying out the honorable charge descended upon this organization. We hope for their continued interest in our schools and youth, and that they may be prospered abundantly in the years to come.”

In her comments, Superintendent Amy Stewart also thanked the board for their time.

“We’ve done a lot of important work at this table,” she said, noting the work encompasses more than just board meetings. She noted the board also serves on committees, negotiates with five different labor groups and works with organizations outside the district.

Stewart also recognized the position board members put themselves in publicly.

“You’re really open access and you’re putting yourself out there,” she said. “This is a complicated role that you guys have taken on.”

She pointed to the range of backgrounds the current board brought to the table.

“I’ve never worked with a group with this type of wide experience,” Stewart said. “We are blessed to have that range of knowledge at this table.”

She said the board members are leaving the district on solid footing as the new board comes in.

“We are handing off a school district that has been responsibly run,” Stewart said. “We have a responsible fund balance… We have ensured the district has a fiscally responsible future. You should be very proud.

“On behalf of me and this team I just want to thank you… We very much appreciate your service that you don’t get paid for.”

Five of the seats on the nine member board will feature new faces. Stewart and Morgan did not seek re-election. Dougherty did not seek election to a full term. Colosimo and Zariczny did not make it through the primary.

Lindvay retained one of two available district Region III seats in Tuesday’s election.

On a related note, Mangione noted orientation for new board members is planned for Nov. 13.