Letter to the editor: Nepotism in Yough must end

Yough School District voters: Our school district needs your help.

As you may remember, the district’s hiring process was once corrupt with nepotism. For years, the district hired from a small group of people’s friends and family members. Growing up in the district and seeing the impact that this system had on the education and values provided by Yough, I made finding and implementing a resolution to this ethical dilemma my major goal while on the school board. Nepotism lessens the value of education we can provide to the students. I can proudly say that in my 14 years of service on the school board, the hiring process was changed, and we did a morally outstanding job. Neither friends nor family members were hired as teachers, unless they had years of service in the district and/or were the most qualified choice.

Recently, the board approved the hiring of the daughter of board president Jared Filapose. She recently graduated from college and was hired over 77 other applicants, many of whom serve as district substitutes. These substitutes worked through a pandemic to ensure the students received their education, and I don’t believe any were even selected for an interview. The nepotism is inarguable. Despite some opposition, the vote went through.

This election is our chance to send a message: The unfair process needs to end now. I am not running for reelection, but I am backing a good, honest man who is running as a write-in candidate. I ask you to please write in Jason Cooper and refrain from reelecting Filapose.

Ken Bach

South Huntingdon