Plum School Board elects new leadership

Plum Borough School Board elected Michael Devine as president and Michael Caliguiri as vice president by a 7-2 vote during the board’s annual reorganization meeting on Dec. 6.

“I am honored and excited that the board has once again placed their trust in me to lead us into the next year,” Devine wrote in an email.

He complimented Caliguiri, who served as president during 2022, and Angela Anderson, the vice president, for “an outstanding job over the past year, and I hope to capitalize on their momentum and keep the district moving in the right direction.”

“Our work is never complete,” Devine wrote. “It’s a moving target, but we have nine very capable members who have the best interest of this district in mind in everything we do. We’re excited to see what 2023 has to offer.”

Devine previously served as the school board president from 2020-21, with Caliguiri as his vice president during both years. They were challenged for the roles for 2023 by board members Ron Sakolsky and Megan Chuderwicz.

“After last year’s sweeping victory, the constituency sought change,” Sakolsky stated by email. “I was hoping to caucus with the entire board, break the barriers and serve our public as a whole. I continue to work to fulfill campaign promises: accountability, parental rights, and fiscal responsibility through transparency, as well as what is best for our community and students. Those that cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

Later in the week, the board released the list of lead liaisons for committees, which mostly is unchanged.

“With how well the past year went, especially the past few months, I was hopeful everyone wanted to keep their responsibilities status quo,” wrote Devine. “Every board member had an opportunity to give up or acquire a new lead role. Thankfully, the only responsibility that was relinquished was my role as lead board liaison for Personnel. Dr. Anderson was the only board member who showed interest in taking that over, so it was a no brainer. Everything else remains the same. This will allow us to hit the ground running in 2023.”

Sakolsky is the lone representative who doesn’t have a lead liaison responsibility. Previously, he served as the lead board liaison for the legislative committee, but he was replaced by Michelle Stepnick in September.

“I thought the reorganization was an opportunity to move forward,” Sakolsky wrote. “I will continue to fulfill campaign promises through other means as WE all work in our students best interest.”

Other committee lead assignments are Devin Adams, safe/supportive schools; Anderson, student achievement/activity; Caligiuri, policy; Chuderewicz, budget/finance; Devine, intergovernmental; Adam Hill, facilities/operations and Forbes Road Career and Technology Center; Stepnick, community engagement/outreach development; and Amy Wetmore, equity/inclusion.