A new arrival and a surprising departure marked Thursday night’s reorganization meeting of the Sto-Rox School Board. School Director Ken Hohman announced his resignation toward the end of the meeting. Earlier, the board interviewed and appointed DaLisha Hoszowski to an open seat.
“I’ve given my heart and soul to the district.”
School Director Hohman, following his resignation announcement Thursday night.
Hohman, a long time board member, said Thursday night it was time for him to go.
“I felt like I’ve done the best I can,” he explained. “I feel like it’s time to move on.”
Hohman thanked the community, including district teachers and staff. He said he’ll still be around to support the district, adding “I bleed green and white.” Hohman has been a fixture among the district’s sports community.
He shared a tender moment with board member Lucille Young (Region 1 - McKees Rocks).
“If it wasn’t for Mr. Hohman, I wouldn’t be sitting here,” she explained.
“Just him suggesting that I would consider a seat on this board gave me new life at a time in my life…” she trailed off, and choked back tears. They shared a tender embrace as she continued, “I’m very grateful for Mr. Hohman. I know his heart’s in the right place and I appreciate that.”
Board member Alice Cooper (Region 3 - At-Large) concurred, saying she wouldn’t be on the board without Hohman, either. Hohman leaves behind a legacy of service and vocal advocacy that will be missed. The district is taking letters of interest to fill Hohman’s position until Monday, January 2. Candidates will be interviewed at a school board meeting on Thursday, January 5 at the Sto-Rox Jr./Sr. High School Cafeteria at 7:00 p.m.
New Board Member Joins
Incoming School Director Hoszowski speaks to the board during the interview process.
A district parent joined the board after interviewing during Thursday night’s meeting. DaLisha Hoszowski, parent of a third grader and an Community Outreach Ambassador for the McKees Rocks Community Development Corporation, told the board she hopes to contribute and learn valuable information to give back to the community. She was appointed to the open Region 3 - At-Large seat.
“Whether it’s the CDC or the school board we want people to come to McKees Rocks and stay in McKees Rocks,” she said. “I’m proud to be a Sto-Rox resident and would like to help however I can.”
Hoszowski, a former Family Development Specialist who previously spent time in Virginia, is focused on parent involvement and being a resource to help other parents.
“There are a lot of things that I see as a parent (that are being done) and I would like to be a part of that, to keep the district strong,” she explained. Hoszowski made outreach a key part of her interview. She added that parents who were once students in Sto-Rox - and may not have been supported in the past - carry that negative energy forward. Solving that issue could be summed in one of her sharpest statements to the board.
“Meet them (parents) where they are.”
Reorganizing The Board
The school board took steps to reorganize during Thursday night’s meeting. Among the highlights:
School Board President Cameron Culliver was renominated and appointed as president.
Adrienne Roberts was nominated and appointed as vice-president, replacing Alice Cooper.
Samatha L-Wright will serve as the board’s liaison to the Pennsylvania School Boards Association.
Tyler Kochirka will once again serve as the board’s liaison to the Parkway West Career and Technology Center.
News & Notes
Borda sits in her seat alongside the school board prior to Thursday night’s meeting.
Student Representative Makayla Borda continued in the role initiated at the last school board meeting. She delivered a report on what’s happening in the district from the students’ point of view, including the Point Park University/Gazette 2.0 media class, holiday programming, and more. She also mentioned that she has joined Steel City Impact, which provides after-school programming for the district.
K-6 Principal Heather Johnston and Upper Elementary Dean of Students Robin Cato recently attended the 2022 Pennsylvania Positive Behavior Support Implementers Forum in Hershey. They were recognized for Tier 1 Initial PBIS practices at the Upper Elementary School. PBIS, or Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, is a framework for students to practice positive and constructive behavior inside and outside the classroom.
The board accepted the donation of more than 200 nursing supply kits (gloves, masks, wipes, etc.), from Michael Resnak on behalf of Wesco.
The board approved an agreement with UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile to provide primary care health services at the District, at no cost to the parents/District, pending solicitor review.
The board approved an agreement with the Jed Foundation to work to provide a comprehensive approach to mental health promotion and suicide prevention. This was made possible by a $25,000 grant from a private donor.
The board made the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and the Gazette 2.0 the official newspapers of the Sto-Rox School District.
The next meetings of the school board will be held in the new year. They are as follows:
Thursday, January 5, 2023 - Special Legislative Voting Meeting
Thursday, January 19, 2023 - Agenda Review Meeting
Thursday, January 26, 2023 - Regular Legislative Voting Meeting