School districts across Westmoreland County are banding together to have their voices heard on the state level.

Through the Committee on Legislative Action, or COLA, local superintendents will learn how proposed bills and laws could affect education in the county.

The group, started by the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit — a regional education services agency — will be made up of one school board representative from each district, the superintendent from each district, a business manager and a director from each of the county’s career and technology centers.

The first meeting is scheduled for April 11 at 7 a.m. at 102 Equity Drive in Greensburg.

“We’re going to identify policy issues regarding public education and, most importantly, we’ll speak as one voice within the county,” said Jason Conway, executive director of the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit. “Currently, we have individual districts speaking to legislative officials in the county in isolation. We can be much stronger together if we have one strong voice.”

At the meetings, members will keep current on legislative activity, bills and regulations; act as a point of contact on important issues; provide updates to stakeholders, and determine common legislative priorities, positions and platforms.

So far, Conway has presented the idea to three school districts in the county, including the Hempfield Area School District.

“Tonight was my third board presentation and I have 14 more to go through mid-March,” Conway said in an email. “All of the school districts are automatically part of COLA. I won’t know how many will actually participate until April 11.”

Hempfield school board member Paul Adams volunteered to take part in the committee during Monday’s board meeting.

Chris Oldham, Ligonier Valley School District superintendent, is serving as co-chair with Conway.

Megan Tomasic is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Megan at 724-850-1203, mtomasic@tribweb.com or via Twitter @MeganTomasic..

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