Board will vote on new superintendent June 29
HERMITAGE — Hermitage school directors re-interviewed a third superintendent candidate on Monday, and they will convene to discuss their choices during a budget hearing June 17.
No vote, however, will be had on the three candidates until June 29, said board President Victor J. Ellenberger, and that will be the earliest an announcement will be made.
Between the discussion next week and their vote at the end of this month, Ellenberger said there is a final step: directors will go to the communities from which each superintendent candidate hails and interview average people off the street about the candidate.
Superintendent Karen A. Ionta is retiring, and her last day of work will be at the end of July, she has said.
Initially, the board received 14 applications, interviewed eight applicants, re-interviewed four, and have now winnowed them down to three hopefuls.
Bridge replacementto begin on Route 173
NEW LEBANON — PennDOT said next week it will begin a bridge replacement on state Route 173 over North Deer Creek in Milledgeville.
Most of the $1.7 million state-funded project in French Creek Township is expected to be completed in October. If necessary, finish paving will be done next spring. Detours will be posted.
Panel passes tax study resolution
HARRISBURG — A resolution that would launch a yearlong study of the state’s existing system of property tax reassessments is on its way to the House floor following passage by the Finance Committee.
The resolution would direct the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to recommend ways to improve the current system.
Critics say reassessments can be unfair and that Pennsylvania does not have the type of uniform standards found in other states.
Pennsylvania counties use a base year system. In Mercer County, all properties are assessed based on 1970 property values.
Pittsburgh to give main square $5 million facelift
PITTSBURGH — A $5 million facelift of Pittsburgh’s oldest downtown public square will transform it from a has-been gathering place to an up-and-coming European piazza.
Officials say the renovation will begin Aug. 1.
Market Square will be leveled, bus and car traffic will be diverted to make the area more pedestrian friendly and outdoor seating will dot the area surrounded by small shops and restaurants.
Mayor Luke Ravenstahl’s spokeswoman Joanna Doven says the renovation is part of the city’s “third renaissance.”
