McCurdy Named School Board President; Cambest Ousted as Solicitor

The incoming named Sandra McCurdy as its new president and fired the Pittsburgh-based Dodaro Matta & Cambest law firm as the district's solicitor. 

The board hired the firm Maiello Brungo & Maiello as solicitor in a 8 to 1 vote, drawing criticism from board member Jerry Testa, who said he was not made aware of an effort to remove solicitor Jack Cambest until late last week. 

"My first comment is that I was totally excluded from this process," Testa said. "I didn't know we were firing our current solicitor until the agenda came out on Thursday." 

In a heated exchange, Testa asked McCurdy if the candidates had been interviewed prior to the vote.

McCurdy said that board members had the opportunity to vet candidates independently and that she had spoken to each firm over the phone. 

"We are not here to be interrogated," she told Testa. 

Board member Jeffrey Bussard said that he was unhappy with Cambest's handling of the collective bargaining dispute between the district and its teachers union. 

Cambest told the board in January that a public vote was not needed on an contract with the union, Bussard said. 

"I was not pleased with Mr. Cambest's performance," Bussard said. "Especially at a time when we were in negotiations with the teacher's contract. Especially when there was the an issue with the public vote." 

Testa said with only two business days prior to the vote he did not have time to vet or interview candidate law firms. He requested a roll call vote on the motion.

"I find that interesting, Jeff, because during the negotiations you never brought this up," Testa responded. "I've seen you a number of times to Mr. Cambest's face compliment his work." 

Testa motioned for board comments after the vote, but fellow board members quickly approved a motion to adjourn the meeting. 

"So this is your idea of transparency?" Testa said as the meeting ended. "There's transparency for us, folks."

The board also appointed Ron Steele as vice president, Laura Schisler as secretary and Michael Olszewski as treasurer. Coraopolis District Court Judge Mary Murray swore in seven incoming board members, including Steele, Schisler, Olszewski, Gia Tatone, Dennis Harbaugh and Samuel Tranter.