Board fills vacant seat
SOUTH COVENTRY >> The newest member of the Owen J. Roberts School Board has big shoes to fill as he takes over from someone who served for over 20 years.
In a 5-3 decision Monday, the board appointed resident Clifford DeFoor to fill the vacant seat previ- ously held by for- mer board member William LaCoff, who moved out of the district. Board members Kristina Barcus, Lisa Huzzard and Heather McCreary dis-
sented.
LaCoff stepped down effective Feb. 24 after serving nearly five terms on the school board, dating back to 1996. DeFoor, 50, of North Coventry, will fill the seat until the appointment expires Dec. 4, 2017.
A father of three boys, who each attend North Coventry Elementary, DeFoor is a technology leader with Vanguard Group, who has lived in the township for 20 years. He ran for a seat on the board last year and plans to run again after his appointment expires.
DeFoor said he felt the board appreciated his commitment and dedication to his community. He currently
serves as an assistant scout leader with Boy Scouts Troop 140 of French Creek. He regularly attends school board meetings and tries to stay as involved as he can.
Now on the board, he told Digital First Media his plans for the future of the district are simple.
“Ensuring our children’s education is geared toward the emerging and specialized technical markets of the future,” he said. “Fostering creativity through sports, music and the arts. Fiscal responsibility.”
The board heard from eight candidates for the position, whom Superintendent Michael Christian praised.
“We had eight excellent candidates,” he said, “all willing to serve the children and community of Owen J.
Roberts.”
DeFoor has big shoes to fill. During his tenure on the board, LaCoff served as board president for three years in addition to his work on a variety of committees. He also served two separate terms as the governing board president of the Pennsylvania School Board Association and had been active with the National School Boards Association.
LaCoff said at the Feb. 27 board meeting the reason he was stepping down was because he’ll be moving to “the old folks home.” He described his time on the board as a “long and wonderful ride” and thanked the school community for its support and for making him proud.
“From the bottom of my heart,” he said, “thank you, thank you, thank you.”