Palmyra-Eagle School Board members resign after dissolution decision
By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
The School Board overseeing the Palmyra-Eagle Area School District lost three of its members in the immediate aftermath of an advisory group’s decision against dissolution earlier this month.
After a series of emotional, sometimes tear-filled comments, board members Tara Bollmann, Scott Hoff and Carrie Ollis announced publicly they were relinquishing their seats before their terms expired.
The trio’s departures took effect at the end of the most recent regular School Board meeting, held Jan. 14.
The resignations leave the PEASD School Board with four members — the minimum number permissible by state law to still meet as a quorum and take up official district business.
Each of the board members said they were leaving the elected body because of the vitriol they have endured throughout the dissolution proceedings.
Handing the reigns over to other community members, they said, could help in forging a path forward as questions over PEASD’s future continue to linger.
As she delivered her resignation announcement at the meeting, Bollmann reflected on her rich array of memories in the district — memories stretching back to her childhood. Giving her children the opportunity to attend the same district, she said, was gratifying.
Bollmann said she has long desired to give back to the district and be of service. But being a member of the School Board, she said, has been a daunting process, particularly as the referendum and dissolution proceedings occurred.
Looking back on her time on the board, Bollmann said she has been frustrated by a litany of issues, including the state’s open enrollment policies and the bitter divide that sometimes exists between the residents of Palmyra and Eagle.
“I’m tired,” said Bollmann, who held the position of board vice president. “I’m tired of fighting and banging my head against a brick wall.”
While she said she hopes she can be proven wrong, Bollmann said she also continues to have grave concerns about PEASD’s future, given the persisting funding challenges ahead.
“There are too many running around and thinking our schools are saved, which is not true,” Bollmann said.
Ollis, who had been filling the role of board clerk, also was emotional as she reflected on the reasons she said she joined the board. Enduring a range of criticism and accusations, she said, was a painful experience.
“Our district is a vibrant, eclectic and loving community,” Ollis said. “But this past year has been filled with many low points. Names do hurt.”
Hoff, who served as the president of the School Board, was brief, measured and stoic in his remarks.
After taking into consideration remarks calling for his removal — including one from a community member pledging funds if he resigned — Hoff said he believed this was the right time to leave elected office.
“I join the ladies,” he said. “I think the only agreement in the room is I’ve got to go, so that’s that.”
To the remaining board members, Hoff said, “I’m sorry to have left this mess behind.”
Michael Eddy, Cory Jones, Mat Mecca and Justin Thomas remain on the School Board.
The district is in the process of seeking candidates for the three vacancies, and a noon Jan. 29 deadline has been set for applications.
