Published Tuesday, August 20, 2002
resigns; board doesn't accept it
Herald Staff Writer
Longtime Sharpsville School Director Robert Timmerman is resigning his post Thursday, but the remaining school board members couldn't agree Monday about when to accept his resignation.
Timmerman plans to accept a job offer in Florida and submitted a letter to the board stating his resignation will be effective Thursday.
Timmerman, who was not at the meeting, has been on the board for more than 10 years and previously served as its president.
Board President Terry Karsonovich said the board would accept Timmerman's resignation at its September meeting. However, directors Donna Murray and Chris Ruffo questioned why it could not be done sooner.
"I'm asking to accept his resignation, effective Aug. 22, tonight," Mrs. Murray said.
The board deadlocked on accepting Timmerman's resignation Monday, with Mrs. Murray, Ruffo, Charles Rice and Susan Pokorney voting to accept the resignation and David DeForest, Joyce Grandy, Karsonovich and Kimberly Barringer opting to wait until September.
Mrs. Murray later suggested a special meeting Aug. 26 to accept the resignation. Only she and Ruffo favored that.
Once the board accepts Timmerman's resignation, it has 30 days to fill his seat. After 30 days, residents can petition the courts to fill the position, said board solicitor John Reed.
Gerry Hanley of Sharpsville questioned the board's decision to wait until September.
"You have 30 days. That's plenty of time to meet (to choose a new director)," he said.
Timmerman can rescind his resignation until the board accepts it, Reed said.
Mrs. Murray disagreed.
"If he changes his mind, if it's too late, it's too late," she said. "His resignation is effective Aug. 22 ... if he changes his mind, that's too bad."