B-W School District Solicitor Resigns

Baldwin-Whitehall School District solicitor Edward Lawrence resigned from his post, and his resignation was accepted by the school board Wednesday evening.

His resignation is effective June 30, 2013.

“I want to thank Mr. Lawrence for his years of service to the people of Baldwin-Whitehall, and to the children first and foremost,” said school board vice President Kevin Fischer.

Fischer said Lawrence was a valuable resource when Fischer was serving as school board president. During that time, he said, the school board had many difficult issues to navigate, including a teacher strike and budget issues. He said Lawrence’s guidance during that time was needed and appreciated.

“I would echo the sentiments of Mr. Fischer,” said school board President Nancy DiNardo. “Mr. Lawrence has been with the district for close to 40 years, and he’s served to best of his ability through many things that have happened in district.”

Marianne Boyd, a teacher at Paynter Elementary addressed Lawrence during a public comments section of the meeting.

“I have worked on three negotiating committees with you and would like to say thank you for all work you did for school district, and for the teachers,” she said. “I appreciate the fairness and what you’ve given us through years, too. Thank you and good luck.”

The board accepted Lawrence’s resignation and approved a committee to begin the search for a new solicitor.

School board members Martin Michael Schmotzer, Nancy Lee Crowder and Diana Kazour will serve on the search committee. All school board members will be allowed to attend committee meetings.

Lawrence gave no reason for his resignation, and told Baldwin-Whitehall Patch he had no comment on the matter.

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