Board seeks letters from school board hopefuls / By Martha Knight

After 30 years of service on the Port Allegany School Board, Gary A. Hardes resigned. He has moved from the district.

The school board acted on Hardes’ resignation Monday night, and started the process of appointing someone to serve the remaining two years of his term.

Board president David Mensch said those interested in being considered for appointment should send letters to the board at the Port Allegany School District central office at 20 Oak Street, timed to arrive at least by January 24. This would enable the board to fill the vacancy at its January 27 meeting, Mensch said. The board should appoint within 30 days, according to applicable law.

Former neighbor and friend Joyce Stehle praised Hardes during the public comments portion of the meeting. “Gary Hardes has been a great mentor for my children and has been a huge supporter of education for 30 years,” She said. She noted that he had “come from a humble beginning,” and lauded “his wisdom, and support of education for all.”

Among other tributes to Hardes in the meeting was a comment by Mensch that “we all have come up against Gary” at one time or another, and that part of his value on the board was “he was not afraid to give his opinion on anything.”

Hardes’ letter to the board was not read at the meeting.