Farrell Area School Board members have not replaced Rose Marie Branca in person, but are parceling out the duties she performed.

Mrs. Branca, a 26-year veteran of the board, died Jan. 1.

The superintendent's office is accepting letters of interest from people who want to fill her post. The deadline is 4 p.m. Friday, and interviews will be set after that.

Mrs. Branca had just been elected to another four-year term. The new appointee will serve for two years, and then the seat will be subject to election.

Mrs. Branca was board treasurer, and Monday the board appointed Edward Zappa as treasurer for the remainder of her one-year term, which expires April 24.

The treasurer's seat, the only paid position on the board, comes with a $600 annual salary.

Mrs. Branca also served on the board of Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV, Grove City, and the board nominated Jerome Flint to replace her. Other districts also will nominate candidates to fill the seat.

The board Monday observed a moment of silence in honor of Mrs. Branca, and read a condolence card from Seneca Valley School District.

Board members said Mrs. Branca will be missed. Zappa said he had asked her for advice over the years.

"She kinda kept me out of hot water a few times," he said.

Solicitor James Nevant II praised her dedication.

"On a personal level, she was a good friend to me," he said.