Shaler Area School Board says goodbye to its longest member

Long-time Shaler Area School Board member Jeanne Petrovich was given a heartfelt farewell from her fellow board members on Nov. 15.

Petrovich has been a member of the board for the past 24 years and has had six children graduate from Shaler Area High School. Her youngest daughter graduated last year.

“Jeanne, we appreciate all that you’ve done for this school district,” said Sean Aiken, district superintendent. “You are a strong voice on the board.”

Aiken praised Petrovich for her passion to prioritize students’ mental health, and her desire to understand why or how things were being done. Over the years, she has voted and made recommendations based on how students and teachers feel.

“(Petrovich) has been a very valued member of this school board for the past 24 years,” Aiken said. “We’ll miss that presence that (she) brings.”

Petrovich announced her retirement from the board before the election this year.

“It’s been a wonderful learning experience,” Petrovich said. “I wish (the board) good luck with the future of Shaler Area.”

She was presented with two presents and a standing ovation before she left the meeting.