What a difference nearly five years can make.

When Anthony Skender was named Chartiers Valley's superintendent in March 2005, he grinned broadly and said, "I just can't wait to get here."

It was a different story Tuesday when a somber Mr. Skender announced that he would retire after 39 years as an educator when his contract expires on April 30.

Board President Patti Figorski added a motion to include a three percent salary increase for Supt. Skender, retroactive to May 1. It was approved by a 7-0 vote, with directors Tom Galluze and Bridget Kelly absent. The superintendent's salary was $130,600.

Also, Mr. Skender's secretary, Emily Gudewicz, a 55-year employee, announced her retirement, effective Jan. 4.

The pay raise and two resignations were the only action items during the 30-minute workshop/special action meeting.

Though Mr. Skender declined to make any comment, he promised to do so at a later date. Ms. Gudewicz, 75, who served as secretary to five superintendents, was not at the meeting. Contacted at home, she said she had been planning to retire in the spring, but changed the date in part to avoid winter commuting.

Mrs. Figorski stated that Mr. Skender's impending retirement was not unexpected.

"We weren't surprised by this. Numerous times he has told me and Herb [Ohliger, board vice-president] that he was going to do this," she said.

Not all board members are happy about the administrative situation at Chartiers Valley, which lost the services of assistant superintendent Dr. Tammy Whitfield on Oct. 31. The school board did not renew her contract.

"We now have no assistant superintendent, no superintendent, not even a seasoned secretary to hold things together," said director Patti Frey. "We have no teachers' contract and additional administrators [are] polishing up their resumes."

She blamed the loss of two more administrators on "the micro-management and abuse of power of the current board leadership."

School Director Mary Lou Petronsky wondered who would be the next to leave the district that includes Bridgeville, Collier, Heidelberg and Scott.

"It's another nail in Chartiers Valley's coffin created by the majority of the board," she said.

Board President Patti Figorski disagreed.

"I think it will be an exciting time for us," she said, thanking Mr. Skender, who formerly was superintendent in Sto-Rox, for staying on board while a superintendent replacement search is conducted.

She pointed out that Chartiers Valley's three top administrators retired simultaneously in 2005. Two were able to provide training for their replacements.

Meanwhile, U. S. District Court Judge David Cercone is considering Dr. Whitfield's preliminary injunction lawsuit to remain as assistant superintendent.

In August, she filed a First Amendment lawsuit, alleging she was discriminated against for her 2006 testimony in a suspension appeal hearing involving basketball coach Tim McConnell.

In May, the school board voted 6-3 to open up her job to other applicants, while stating the action did not eliminate her from consideration and that her performance was not an issue.

Though the majority members said they needed more time to look over Dr. Whitfield's contract, which they said had been received only shortly before the May 28 meeting, no action to rehire her was taken in subsequent months. Dr. Whitfield, 46, was a 22-year district employee.

Judge Cercone's ruling is expected by the end of the year.

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